Martin Bautista, MD, the hospital’s chief of staff, and other physicians suspended Perry Lin, MD, in late May based on suspicions his medical errors had caused harm to several patients, including two cases of severe infection.
Hospital officials, including CEO Jim Grocholski, overturned that suspension the next day after Dr. Bautista and the other physicians left a board meeting. Dr. Bautista said the board’s meeting agenda did not make mention of a discussion about Dr. Lin and accused the hospital board of violating the state’s Open Meetings Act. Mr. Grocholski acknowledged the agenda could have been clearer but stopped short of admitting intentional wrongdoing.
Texas County District Attorney James Boring, who was alerted of the Open Meetings Act allegations, said he would not prosecute because there did not seem to be any “willful violation,” according to the news report. Board members defended their decision to change Dr. Lin’s suspension to a two-week paid vacation, citing his right to due process. In the meantime, the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality is reviewing Dr. Lin’s cases while under the supervision of other physicians.
Read the news report about Memorial Hospital of Texas County.
Related Articles on Patient Safety:
JAMA: Patient Safety Risks Also Exist in Physicians’ Offices
Florida’s Martin Memorial Asks State Supreme Court to Toss Out Infection Lawsuit
Wake Forest Hospital’s Patient Safety Corrective Plan Approved, Keeps Medicare/Medicaid Status
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