When engaging with the health care system and health care providers, it is important for patients to act as their own best advocates. In recent years, public advocacy groups have taken notice to the importance of Connecticut patients accessing available resources via the Connecticut Medical Board in regards to information concerning practicing physicians’ medical malpractice records.

The Connecticut Board of Medicine has long faced criticism that it is slow to revoke or even restrict medical licenses. In fact, Connecticut ranks in the bottom percentile of all 50 states and the District of Columbia when the effectiveness of the state medical board’s efforts in mandating disciplinary action against doctors is measured on a national scale.

A National Epidemic of Malpractice with Few Sanctions

A Public Citizens’ survey has found that nationally, on average, more than half of the doctors whose privileges were terminated or restricted by a hospital had failed to receive so much as a fine by the medical board in their practicing state. In terms of national rankings regarding state medical boards with the least number of restricted physicians due to medical practice per state, Connecticut ranked nearly last on the list.

Public Urged to Start Checking Their Physician’s Medical License

The Public Citizens group provides a national database for patients to access for determining what resources are available in their state for checking a physician’s medical malpractice record. Often, it is necessary for a patient to have a physician’s correct information because doctors can have similar names and misidentification can be an issue. Additionally, hospitals are known to change their names frequently. Also, physician data may be listed using a physician’s middle name, or it may be listed without it. All of these variables can result in patients receiving incorrect information—hence why it is essential for patients to check medical malpractice records.

Consult with an Experienced Connecticut Malpractice Attorney Today

If you or a family member has been the victim of medical malpractice in Connecticut, please contact an experienced Westport medical malpractice attorney today to review your case. We are proud to protect the rights of Connecticut patients and offer complimentary initial consultations. We look forward to speaking with you. Call and schedule your consultation today at 203-226-6168.