Opinion: Michigan’s doctors fight coronavirus, and governor's office

[sharon sanders]

hat tip a friend of FluTrackers


Opinion: Michigan’s doctors fight coronavirus, and governor's office

Kathy Hoekstra

Published 6:29 p.m. ET March 26, 2020 | Updated 10:25 p.m. ET March 26, 2020


snip

The agency’s March 24 letter warns physicians and pharmacists of professional consequences for the prescribing of hydroxychloroquine (and chloroquine). Beyond the rational recommendation against hoarding as production of this medication needs to be ramped up, the letter deviates into open threats of “administrative action” against the licenses of doctors that prescribe hydroxychloroquine.

snip

The letter also instructs pharmacists to ignore physician orders for this medication. Due to the debate over a pharmacist’s right to refuse to fill medications that go against their religious beliefs, this could place pharmacists in the unprecedented position of being told that they must fill prescriptions that violate their “conscience (religious belief)” but must not fill prescriptions to treat COVID-19.

Even worse, the letter indicates health care providers are “required to report” their fellow physicians who are prescribing these medications. This draconian measure carries ominous Gestapo-like overtones of neighbor reporting neighbor to “authorities.”


more..

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/op...ce/2922272001/

 

[sharon sanders]

hat tip to friend of FluTrackers


State of Michigan

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS
DIRECTOR BUREAU OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
611 W. OTTAWA • P.O. BOX 30670 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909
www.michigan.gov/bpl • 517-241-0199
LARA is an equal opportunity employer/program March 24, 2020

TO: Licensed Prescribers & Dispensers RE: Reminder of Appropriate Prescribing and Dispensing Dear Licensed Prescribers and Dispensers:

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has received multiple allegations of Michigan physicians inappropriately prescribing hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to themselves, family, friends, and/or coworkers without a legitimate medical purpose. Prescribing hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine without further proof of efficacy for treating COVID-19 or with the intent to stockpile the drug may create a shortage for patients with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other ailments for which chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are proven treatments. Reports of this conduct will be evaluated and may be further investigated for administrative action. Prescribing any kind of prescription must also be associated with medical documentation showing proof of the medical necessity and medical condition for which the patient is being treated.

Again, these are drugs that have not been proven scientifically or medically to treat COVID-19. Michigan pharmacists may see an increased volume of prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine and should take special care to evaluate the prescriptions’ legitimacy. Pursuant to Michigan Administrative Code, R 338.490(2), a pharmacist shall not fill a prescription if the pharmacist believes the prescription will be used for other than legitimate medical purposes or if the prescription could cause harm to a patient.

It is also important to be mindful that licensed health professionals are required to report inappropriate prescribing practices. LARA appreciates all licensed health professionals for their service and cooperation in assuring compliance in acting responsibly while continuing to provide the best possible care for Michigan’s citizens during this unprecedented and very challenging time. To stay up to date on the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic please go to www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus and the CDC site at www.CDC.gov.


Sincerely, Deb Gagliardi, Director Bureau of Professional Licensing Forrest Pasanski, Director Enforcement Division


https://www.michigan.gov/documents/l...0_684869_7.pdf