Honolulu Advertiser
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
The American Medical Association applauds Gov. Linda Lingle for listing SB1004 among those she is considering to veto, and urge her to make her stance official before the July 10 deadline.
This bill would allow healthcare professionals who have not undergone extensive and necessary education and training to prescribe powerful and potentially dangerous medications to patients.
We strongly believe in the team approach to healthcare and feel that each member of the medical team plays a vital role in the care of our patients, but patient safety demands the highest scrutiny and caution.
The medications discussed in this bill are used to treat mental illness and can bring about potentially dangerous complications if not properly prescribed.
Physicians devote years to extensive training and education so they can expertly respond to any complications that may arise, as well as monitor and tailor treatment to meet each patient's individual needs.
When it comes to patient safety and high-quality care there are no shortcuts. Our thanks to Governor Lingle for recognizing this and taking the right action.
Sincerely,
Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD
Board member, American Medical Association
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