Which Way, L.A.?
Should California Medical Board Lose Investigative Authority?
Has the State Medical Board failed to act against doctors who prescribed medicines that caused patients to die? Should the AG hold power to investigate doctor misconduct?
By Warren Olney • • 25m ListenState legislators are gunning for the California Medical Board with a proposed new law that would give the Board's power to investigate doctor misconduct to the Attorney General. The unpaid Board is accused of failing to act against doctors who prescribed medicines that caused patients to die. Board members and their defenders say it's overworked and underfunded. Also, campaign spending limits imposed by Los Angeles City voters are overpowered by so-called “independent” political action committees.
On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, the deadly collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh has increased political unrest in that country, and brand-name western clothing makers are accused of shirking responsibility. What about consumers who demand low prices? Could Bangladesh go the way of other Asian countries that enforce laws on wages and working conditions?
Banner image: Sam Metsfan
In this episode
2 storiesAre Californians Safe from Their Doctors?
The Los Angeles Times has reported that drugs prescribed by doctors played a role in almost half Southern California's deaths from prescription-drug overdoses over a five-year span. At least 30 patients in Southern California died of overdoses while the State Medical Board was conducting investigations.
Read the story19 minAre Super PACs 'Gutting' Spending Laws in LA Mayor's Race?
Almost 30 years ago, Los Angeles voters approved strict spending limits on political campaigns. Individuals or corporations can contribute $1300 to a primary candidate and another $1300 if there's a runoff election.
Read the story6 min
