Doctor Disclosure Bill Passes Rule Would Help Patients Make Informed Choices, Backers Say

The Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would make it easier for patients to find background information on doctors, dentists and nurses.

The bill would require health care providers to disclose background information, including criminal convictions, malpractice judgments and privilege suspensions to anyone interested.

“If I find it difficult to find information on backgrounds of physicians, it must be nearly impossible for patients,” said Sen. Jack Riggs, R-Coeur d’Alene, who is a doctor.

The state board that governs the practice also would keep the information on file.

The Patient Freedom of Information Act would give patients more information in selecting health care providers, including physicians, surgeons, dentists, physical therapists and psychologists. Podiatrists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and optometrists also would submit backgrounds to the boards.

Providers who don’t comply would be fined $50 per day.

Riggs supported the bill, but said boards should have the power to suspend a provider’s licenses for not cooperating.

Sen. Hal Bunderson, R-Meridian, said fear of losing patients would force health care providers to comply.

“If you chose not to disclose, that’s almost the kiss of death on your practice,” Bunderson said.

The bill would increase the license fees providers pay to their respective boards by 5 percent to 15 percent. That means surgeons would pay about $19 more while physician assistants would pay about $5 more each year.

The bill, which passed 31-2, goes to the House for debate.

Sen. Lin Whitworth, D-Inkom, voted against the bill because he said it would burden the boards. However, Whitworth said he supported the concept.

Sen. Grant Ipsen, R-Boise, said the bill would benefit people choosing providers in managed care programs.

“It’s a beginning place to base a basic decision,” Ipsen said.

, DataTimes