LANSING – In a move to curb medical misconduct and the spread of infectious diseases, State Representatives Roy Schmidt (D-Grand Rapids) and Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) voted to pass a plan prohibiting doctors and other regulated health care professionals from reusing needles and other medical equipment intended to be used only once on a single patient during a single procedure.
"There is no room in Michigan for doctors who do not treat their patients properly and with the utmost respect," Schmidt said. "Especially when there are plenty of risks that come with any simple medical procedure, Michigan residents need to be confident that they are receiving quality care from their physician. This is a common-sense safeguard that we can't afford to be without."
The plan, which passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate, is in response to a case involving Dr. Robert Stokes, an East Grand Rapids dermatologist, who is serving more than 10 years in prison for widespread medical fraud. The Kent County Health Department sent letters to thousands of his former patients suggesting that they be tested for blood-borne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, after witnesses testified that Stokes used unsanitary medical practices.
Violating the new provisions of the plan would be a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
"Medical professionals are supposed to help heal our residents, not send them away in even worse health," Dean said. "The health and happiness of Michigan residents needs to be our top priority in the Legislature. This plan will help ensure that our doctors are properly treating and caring for our patients and restore the trust between patients and doctors in our community."