Submitted to the Southtown Star

Dear Editor:

I am writing to correct your portrayal of the Illinois State Medical Society’s position on Illinois’ recently re-authorized internet physician profiles. A recent Southtown Star editorial stated that my organization “fought giving patients access to this information for years” (Welcome back, malpractice database, Sept. 1). This statement is not reflective of our position.

We supported these profiles as a component of the comprehensive medical liability reform law that passed in 2005. Although the law was overturned by the courts in 2010, the profiles were operational between 2008 and 2010. During that time, we worked to encourage our members to verify their profiles and complete the sections that allowed for physician input. We did not oppose efforts to re-establish the profiles.

 In fact, this year we backed two bills that included the profiles: an updated comprehensive medical liability reform bill and a proposal to extend Illinois’ Medical Practice Act. The latter law must pass in 2011 because it serves as the foundation for what constitutes the practice of medicine in Illinois and is set to sunset this year. ISMS believed it made the most sense to include the profiles in either of these larger bills that address related medical issues.

Sincerely,

Wayne V. Polek, M.D.
President
Illinois State Medical Society