Net News

Physician License Revocation Overturned
In Medical Board of California v. Superior Court (Liskey), 03 S.O.S. 4492, the First District Court of Appeal has ruled that the Medical Board of California exceeded its authority when it revoked a physician's license because he did not complete a mandated substance abuse diversion program. See the Metropolitan News-Enterprise Online article.

Texas Health and Human Services Agencies Consolidated
The Texas state legislature has enacted House Bill 2292 directing the consolidation of 12 Health and Human Services Agencies into 5 agencies. A transition plan for the consolidation, which is expected to take four to six years to complete, is due to the Texas governor and the Legislative Budget Board by December 1, 2003. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has published a summary of the consolidation framework.

Health Professions v. Exam Cheaters - The Battle Continues
Joe Smydo, writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has done an interesting article on the recent exam cheating problems in three health professions: physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. An update to his story is that a U.S. district judge has ruled in favor of the Chauncey Group International and the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.

"Dangerous Patient" Not a Privilege Exception
An en banc panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to permit a "dangerous patient" exception to client-therapist privilege even if the threats were already revealed to authorities. See the Metropolitan News-Enterprise Online article.

CSP Specialty Exams to be Discontinued
In a July 2003 news release, the Board of Certified Safety Professionals announced that it will discontinue offering its specialty examinations in 2004, including Construction Safety, Ergonomics, and System Safety. Individuals holding specialty certification can retain the designations awarded as long as they meet the requirements for retention of the designations.

Time for Guilds?
An article by historian Thomas E. Woods, Jr., who is not convinced that professional regulation serves the consumers. Sample quote: "The greater the scope of state activity, the greater the potential for each pressure group to use the state apparatus for its own enrichment, at the expense of the rest of society."

Online Information Clearinghouse Provides Access to Court Records
Those with an interest in the topic of public access to court records will be delighted to find this website. Included are numerous links not only to court records, but also to the debate about whether the disclosure of this information in the public domain is appropriate.

In addition, there are links to each U.S. state, where more local information is provided, and there is a section on U.S. Federal Courts also.

E-Government Bulletin Provides International Perspective on Online Government Services
Though based in the United Kingdom, E-Government Bulletin provides subscribers with a regular update about electronic government, teledemocracy and the information society in Britain and beyond. This free publication is aimed at those involved in national and local government, as well as public and private sector partners. A no-cost subscription is available so that the bulletin is delivered to your in-box or you can view back issues on the website.  

Irish Nursing Board Unveils e-Learning Zone
An Bord Altranais, the Irish Nursing Board, has unveiled a state-of-the-art online competency assessment program on its website. The program features an interactive tutorial, discussion forums, and links to useful resources, with an easy-to-use format that is suitable for users with all levels of technical expertise.

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