The Georgia Composite Medical Board completed its year-long review of physician sexual misconduct June 9 and released a one page statement emphasizing physician education June 15, according to The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
The board began reviewing the issue after an investigation showed two-thirds of Georgia physicians disciplined for sexual misconduct were permitted to continue practicing. The board's review, conducted by a special subcommittee, focused on two cases involving Georgia physicians brought to light in the investigation. Officials said the review could not be released in an extensive public report because much of the information was deemed confidential by law, according to the report.
In its statement, the board said it would protect patients from Georgia physicians "who use coercion or power for sex" by educating physicians about the importance of reporting colleagues; investigating all allegations of misconduct and involving law enforcement when appropriate; and disciplining physicians with public consent orders and license revocations "when allegations are proven," according to the report.
The statement did not outline changes to the board's existing rules or state laws regarding patient protection measures. Under state law, physicians are not required to report possible violations by their colleagues. The medical board is also not required to notify law enforcement of potential criminal acts, according to the report.
John Antalis, MD, chairman of the Georgia Composite Medical Board, said the board will inform physicians across the state of its intent to"seriously" investigate sexual abuse complaints. While the approach outlined in the statement does not differ significantly from the board's current approach, Dr. Antalis said public awareness of the issue will allegedly hold more physicians accountable, according to the report.
However, advocacy groups have spoken out against the medical board's proposed protections, stating the board should institute specific changes to better protect patients. Suggested recommendations included training medical board members through organizations that work with sexual assault victims and requiring physicians placed on probation for sexual misconduct to notify patients.