The Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act is a state law in the U.S. state of Colorado, initially enacted in 2007 with an extension passed in 2010. The act mandates the disclosure of specific information by healthcare providers to the public. These disclosures includes a physician's malpractice history, disciplinary actions, and educational background, thereby allowing patients to make informed decisions regarding their choice of healthcare provider.[1]
Background
editThe legislation is named in memory of Michael Skolnik, a 22-year-old nursing student who endured fatal complications from a surgical procedure performed by Dr. David Wayne Miller, a neurosurgeon who had previous medical malpractice history.[2][3] Skolnik's parents asserted that the surgery, to remove a brain cyst, was medically unnecessary, and that they would have chosen a different doctor had they been aware of the neurosurgeon's history.[1] The initial 2007 act solely targeted physicians, requiring them to complete online profiles to provide consumers in Colorado with relevant information about their medical practitioners.[4][5]
Expansion
editThe scope of the act was broadened in 2010 when the Colorado legislature passed the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act of 2010.[6] This expansion expanding the profiling requirement beyond physicians to 22 additional licensure categories.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Newsome, Brian (2009-05-26). "New transparency law takes effect for physicians". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
- ^ "The Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act of 2010 | Kishinevsky & Raykin". Colorado Law Team. 18 November 2019.
- ^ Fowler, Pete (2007-12-14). "Glenwood Springs doctor linked to malpractice bill". www.postindependent.com. Retrieved 2023-10-29.
- ^ "Michael Skolnik". Patient Safety Movement. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
- ^ "Healthcare Professions Profile Program: The Michael Skolnik Story". dpo.colorado.gov. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
- ^ "FINAL PROPOSAL Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act of 2010" (PDF). Colorado General Assembly. 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 October 2020.
- ^ "DORA Healthcare Professionals Profiling Program". naswco.socialworkers.org. Retrieved 2023-10-13.