Government
Judges put ballot initiatives on hold
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 6, 2004
In separate cases, Leon County, Fla., judges have issued temporary restraining orders against two ballot initiatives that voters passed in November. Doctors opposed both measures. The judges said some specifics need to be resolved before the measures can take effect. (See correction below)
One proposes stripping doctors of medical licenses if they have three medial liability judgments or disciplinary actions against them. The other lets patients see records and reports, including peer review documents, connected with "adverse" incidents.
The Florida Hospital Assn., joined by numerous hospitals, filed the suits. The hospitals argue that the measures are too vague. They say it is up to the Florida Legislature to determine issues that are unclear because of the way the amendments are written.
Correction: This item contained incorrect information. A Florida judge in December 2004 refused to issue a temporary restraining order against a state constitutional amendment that says hospitals need to release reports related to “adverse incidents,” including peer review. AMNews apologizes for the error.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/12/06/gvbf1206.htm.