Alan Grayson files formal complaint with FL Medical Board over "if you voted for Obama" urologist

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Alan Grayson: Urologist Who Put Anti-Obama Signs Up in Violation of Ethics Rules
By Heather Saturday Apr 03, 2010 6:30am

Congressman Alan Grayson has filed a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Medical board after a voter in his district sent him a picture of this -- Pissed-off Florida urologist to Obama supporters: Go somewhere else. Par for the course Anderson Cooper questioned Rep. Grayson's motives with filing the complaints.



COOPER: Democratic Congressman now Alan Grayson. A woman whose daughter took a picture of the sign sent it to the congressman complaining. He's filing a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Medical Board. Congressman Grayson joins us now.

You -- does it make sense, what the doctor is saying? I mean, he's claiming he's not turning any patients away.

REP. ALAN GRAYSON: He's a very confused individual. That much is obvious.

But what he's doing clearly is a violation of the ethics rules that you cited earlier, the Hippocratic oath, the rules of the AMA. And it's at the expense of his patients and care. What he's doing is no different from saying, "I will not treat a black person. I will not treat a Catholic."

I thought that we, as a country, has moved beyond that.

COOPER: But wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

I mean, I'm not taking a side. I'm not taking anybody's side in this, but, just for accuracy's sake, he has said nothing about race. And race is a protected category. I mean, there are -- it is illegal to discriminate someone based on race. It is not illegal to say you don't want to treat somebody because you don't like their politics. Politics is not a protected class.

GRAYSON: Well, in fact, where he lives, in Mount Dora, which is in my district, many, many of the Democrats who live in Mount Dora happen to be African-Americans.

So, by saying that he will not treat somebody who supported Obama, he's saying that he's not going to treat a large number of African-Americans in the community.

COOPER: Wait. So, you're saying race is at the core of this? Come on. There is no evidence of that at all.

GRAYSON: No, I'm saying -- I'm saying that it shows very poor judgment. And the effect of this -- the effect of this is to set us back as a country. That's why I'm disgusted by it.

COOPER: But, again, he's not doing anything illegal.

GRAYSON: Well, that remains to be seen. You know, he's licensed. There are licensing authorities who are going to look into what he's doing. And I hope that they will take action, because, frankly, I think a lot of people are disturbed just to go into his office. He's turned his inner office, his reception area, into some shrine of right-wing nuttery.

And he said earlier today on FOX News that he's upset about the health care bill because it means that old people won't able to go to nursing homes anymore.

COOPER: Critics of you, though, will say, well, look, this comes across as a partisan attack, that you're using the legal system, or the medical ethics system, to pressure someone who doesn't agree with you.

GRAYSON: Well, that's not true.

COOPER: I mean, if this was an Obama supporter who put up a sign saying, "I don't like Republicans, and Republicans should go elsewhere," would you be as outraged?

GRAYSON: I'm protecting the people in my district who deserve medical care, even if they happen to have voted for Obama.

COOPER: Nobody, though, seems to be alleging that he treats any of his patients any differently based on what they believe. I mean, so far, no one has said that their care has suffered because they were an Obama supporter.

GRAYSON: How many people walked in -- walked up to his front door, saw the sign, and turned away? How many people referred from other physicians in the community, including primary care physicians, how many patients saw that sign and walked away?

COOPER: What kind of penalty do you think he should get?

GRAYSON: Well, whatever the medical authorities think he should get. But it is a clear violation of ethics, and it's a particularly ugly one. Why is it that the right wing is so preoccupied with denying people health? Why is that?

COOPER: Representative Alan Grayson, appreciate you being on for your perspective. Thank you very much.

GRAYSON: Thank you.

Transcript via CNN.

[nc4bo]

1. I like Grayson more and more every day.

:patriot:

[Whisp]

51. yes, and Anderson is a twit.

what an annoying asshat that little prick is

[lpbk2713]

2. Excellent.

He's entitled to his opinions but he can't be allowed to arbitrarily
decide who receives medical care and who does not.


Well done, Citizen Grayson.

[Inspired]

3. Alan Grayson is my hero. n/t

[peace frog]

31. Mine too.

Can't remember when I was so proud of my congressman. We in Florida are rather used to hanging our heads in shame at what passes for "Democratic representation" in this state.

[geckosfeet]

4. "Why is it that the right wing is so preoccupied with denying people health? Why is that?"

[47of74]

63. Because it won't get them votes

[notesdev]

5. Bad Mojo

It is completely inappropriate for a sitting Congressman to be targeting a constituent based on his political beliefs. This is a precedent I definitely don't want to see set. Grayson is well on his way to being a one-and-done Congressman.

(Before the knee jerk harpies come and bash me for saying this, check the record - I was a strong Grayson supporter before 99% of you ever heard of him.)

[abelenkpe]

7. He is responding to a constituents

letter. He is just doing his job. Happens every day. When my grandmother was denied help getting into an assisted living complex she wrote her senator and he called on her behalf. It only seems different because the right and FOX news has created a polarized world where everything seems like and us vs them issue.

[DFW]

14. Your first statement is valid, but I don't think it addressed what Grayson was doing

Grayson wasn't attacking a constituent for his political beliefs. He was attacking a constituent for saying that,
as a licensed physician, he did not want to treat patients if they held political beliefs different from his own.

Grayson didn't attack the man's political beliefs. He attacked the guy's discrimination against patients on the basis
of their political beliefs. Obviously the "doctor" had to state that he'd turn no one away, but the implication of
less than dedicated care for Obama supporters is very up front.

If Grayson were attacking Cassell only for his political beliefs, I'd say you're right, he crossed a line. But THAT line
wasn't crossed, the way I read it. I think Grayson chose his words carefully--as he usually does.

[beardown]

17. Violation of the Hip oath I believe.

He's bound by the oath to put the patients' care and needs first and to do no harm. Funny how so many rightees are so keen on oaths and morals and yet consistently fail to abide by them.

Grayson clearly worded his concerns around the DR's oath and obligation to his patients' care. Not to the DR's political beliefs.

[kestrel91316]

19. It's not the Hippocratic Oath that matters here (though it DOES in a way), it's

whatever laws and regulations in FL apply to the practice of medicine. Here in CA we have a whole set of state laws that we must adhere to. The Veterinarian's Oath is not part of that law.

I assume Grayson read the relevant law and believes that a complaint to the board is valid, or he wouldn't do this in the first place. The man's nobody's fool.

[Mojorabbit]

58. I am thinking about his malpractice policy

He ought to be hearing from them pretty soon and they will not like this. I bet his rates go much higher and/or his policy gets canceled. It is unethical behavior but it is asking for legal trouble also.
edited for spelling cause I ought to be asleep

[murphyj87]

53. Maybe it would be better

Maybe it would be better for people niot to go to this creep:

# Ratings: 31

Avg Punctuality: 1.7
Avg Helpfulness: 1.5
Avg Knowledge: 1.6
Overall Quality*: 1.5

Range: 1-5 (5 is best)

[SargeUNN]

30. Glad you aren't my supporter

someone like you is so easy to run off, I wouldn't expect much from you and others like you since you would jump ship at the first sign of rain.

[Jim Sagle]

34. He's NOT " targeting a constituent based on his political beliefs."

He's targeting him based on the constituent's self-confessed discriminatory business practices.

[mudplanet]

36. He's not targeting the guy for his political beliefs, he's saying that

for a medical professional to say he won't treat someone else for their political beliefs is a violation of medical ethics, and he's right up front in saying that he is referring it to the experts on the subject.

[eecumings]

41. You can't be serious.

[CLANG]

44. My reaction as well. It's April 4th already...

[SemperEadem]

61. he is targeting a licensed physician

who is licensed by the state in order to practice. If this guy owned a tire store or a dog walking business, that would be one thing. But he is a physician who took an oath and he is licensed by the state. He has a duty to perform according to that which he gave his word he would do. He's in violation of what he vowed he would do.

Grayson's star is rising, s0n. Running for cover and taking the cowardly outlook on someone who is standing up to stupidity is counterproductive.

[notesdev]

66. If an actual patient has a complaint

let them file it.

I will withdraw my point if anyone here can meet this challenge: Name me one precedent in all of US history where a representative (Congressman, Senator, or even President) took aim at a private citizen and the outcome was positive.

[Raineyb]

75. They HAVE been complaining. A constituent (patient) was the one who brought it

to the Congressman's attention.

[NJmaverick]

6. Well done Grayson! Well done!

[Faygo Kid]

8. Actions have consequences, particularly for a "professional."

That kind of intimidation is totally UNprofessional, and that's just what it is.

[The Wielding Truth]

40. That applies to all those Repub. Congress people who were inciting the

crowd on capital hill and inciting the crowds at the Teabag rallies!

[tavalon]

9. Alan Grayson gives me hope for America

[B Calm]

10. I wonder why Cooper didn't answer Grayson's question at the end

of the interview?

[SemperEadem]

62. because he's a rich boy playing at being an anchor

he should have gone into his mother's line of work instead.

[bridgit]

11. Good - when it becomes LW medicine & RW medicine it has gone too far

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8071705&mesg_id=8071764

[zonkers]

12. Grayson is the man.

[samplegirl]

13. Good.........get this

jerk of a Dr. out of business

[CLANG]

45. Karma is much more powerful than a single man, no matter his self-importance.

[TankLV]

15. "if this was an Obama supporter who put up a sign ..." STOP - JUST STOP WITH THIS BULLSHIT!!!

NO OBAMA SUPPORTER EVER SAID OR DID ANYTHING LIKE THIS!

EVER!

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO PAINT A FALSE EQUIVALANCY WHERE NONE EXISTS!

NONE!

I am so fucking sick and tired of this shit...

[Dreamer Tatum]

16. Obama supporters have proposed this sort of attitude HERE, on DU.

Don't be obtuse.

And no, I don't have time to post examples. Do your own homework.

[kestrel91316]

20. Proposing it in a fit of pique and actually DOING it are two different things.

[CLANG]

46. The burden of proof is on you. Sorry.

[Deadgnome]

39. Ahhh

The false equivalency. A true loser's battle tactic. Sadly, in this country it is working.

[kestrel91316]

18. Ooooohhhh, Grayson is showing his legal skills. This will draw blood.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

21. Be interesting what the basis of the complaint is...since what he is doing is quite legal.

If its not competence, the docs license is not at risk.

There is no affirmative duty for a doc in private practice to treat any particular patient, and docs refuse patients all the time for any number of reasons, including lack of insurance or not having insurance with a group they accept. The Hippocratic oath is not binding and many docs do not belong to the AMA. Unless the patient is being turned away for being a member of a legally protected class, there is no legal case for discrimination. A family member went through this recently. I was at first amazed, and then came to realize that being a doctor is not all that different than being a plumber from a legal perspective. Not defending the action AT ALL, just want to make sure that everyone realizes Grayson's complaint is little more than a PR stunt and nothing effective can be done against him in terms of licensing.

That said, picketing the hospitals where he has privileges, at his home, and other tools to publicize his position and thereby impact his income are also perfectly legal and should be exploited to their fullest.

[jeff47]

48. Ethics rules are not the same as laws. It's an ethics complaint, not a legal one. (nt)

[ProgressiveProfessor]

72. That makes no sense

If its filed with the state board, it has legal teeth, except he has done nothing wrong? Like I said, I've been down this road and its fruitless.

[jeff47]

73. The state board enforces ethics rules. The courts enforce laws.

They have different standards.

Will it work or not? Who knows. But being legally allowed to do something doesn't mean the ethics rules allow you to do so.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

77. The state board can suspend or pull a profesional licencse without court action. I'd call that legal

Like I said in my first post, nice sentiment but its a PR stunt

[whathehell]

22. He claims he's not Forbidding Obama voters his care but..

Would you trust your dick to this guy?:rofl:

[Enthusiast]

28. LOL!

No I would not! You might go in a Rooster and come out a Hen.

[old mark]

23. The doctor stated on CNN this morning that he was," just having fun",

and was against health care reform, not against his patients.

Well, doc, have some fun with your license to practice medicine, you asshole.


mark

[Taverner]

24. Yeah and those Segregated bus rules were just having fun too...

[Enthusiast]

29. +1! nt

[KonaKane]

56. "I'm just an entertainer!" - Rush Limbaugh

Heard this nonsense before...and the stink of its ingenuousness is just as rank.

[Paladin]

25. Good. I Hope This Dr. Ends Up On Bed Pan Duty At A Charity Hospital. (n/t)

[bullwinkle428]

26. KO said it best last night - this guy's priorities are passive/aggressive

politics first, and healing second!

[Enthusiast]

27. Alan Grayson is my hero! nt

[Bette Noir]

32. Alan Grayson makes me proud. Anderson Cooper is a douche.

[Hekate]

37. +1

[Christa]

33. K & Highly rec'd

I love Alan Grayson!

[perdita9]

35. Alan Grayson: The People's Hero

Can you imagine if a fire department decided not to put out blazes in homes of registered Democrats?

Actually I shouldn't be giving Republicans ideas.

[drmeow]

38. I agree with Grayson

on the other hand, I'm quite happy to know where I do NOT want to spend my dollars. A business which loudly proclaims their support of a political ideology which goes contrary to mine is a business which I will happily avoid. A local fast food store had an anti-abortion sign in their window - I have not eaten there since and never will unless all other options cease to exist.

[CLANG]

50. Other's political ideology I can deal with. Lack of human compassion, not so much.

[drmeow]

76. With friends, political ideology

takes a back seat to human compassion. With giving my business to someone, wearing their political ideology on their sleeve when that political ideology doesn't match mine is enough. A kitchen remodeling contractor with "choose life" or some other right wing ideological talking point on their public website (which I did encounter when I went looking for a contractor) isn't going to get my business. A doctor who says he's only going to treat Republicans is not going to get a dime through my illness unless it's an emergency.

I'm sure there are plenty of businesses I patronize which are owned by Republicans - my dentist, for one. I only know that because another patient of his told me. There is no indication in his office and, while I'm sure he knows or at least suspects I'm a Democrat, he's never treated me with anything but respect. We both keep our politics separate from business. The minute a merchant or business brings politics into the mix, good riddance.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

42. Wow, is he nutty!

:sarcasm:

If only we had more like him holding the reins...

[John Kerry VonErich]

43. Did a lil reading

Though Grayson's intention are perfectly good, it is virtually impossible to succeed without getting a court to declair political affiliation as a protected class. Give Grayson his due. He needs to take it up to the House for his 2 minute speech.

[jeff47]

47. Ethics rules are not the same as laws. It's an ethics complaint, not a legal one. (nt)

[John Kerry VonErich]

57. still has to prove politics is a class.

There were ethics violations in the past (generally speeking) that were legally overturned for being it "unconstitutional". Can't remember what examples though. And just a lil too tired to check right now. Will check tomarrow.

[jeff47]

74. No, because class is irrelevant

Protected classes are a creation of the law, and are relevant to laws.

Ethics rules can simply say "You can't turn anyone away for their politics". Since the good doctor in question is a voluntary member of the medical board ("Board certified in...."), they have more leeway to impose rules that would be unconstitutional as laws.

[JI7]

49. i wouldn't even want to go to a liberal doctor who did this to wingnuts

or anyone else.

remember that racist that shot at people at the museum and killed a black guard ? the racist ended up getting shot also and the ones who treated him were black.

that's one example of how this guy just comes off as a complete unprofessional asshole.

[DeSwiss]

52. K&R

- CNN is barf....

[ooglymoogly]

54. Alan Grayson-2012.

Cooper has slowly been turning into a wingnut before our very eye's....or perhaps he has just been slowly rolling out his true colors.

[WildEyedLiberal]

55. Could Anderson Cooper have possibly carried any more water for the teabaggers in this interview?

:puke: I wonder if he's that confrontational with Republicans. I don't actually know since I never watch CNN.

[upi402]

59. Alan Grayson: real Democrat

:patriot:

[BumRushDaShow]

60. K&R

Bravo. He supporting his constituents. :applause:

I guarantee that regardless of whether Anderson Cooper voted for Obama or not, as a gay, he would probably be turned away by this idiot Dr. in a not very obvious way.

[Dinger]

64. I USed To Think cooper Was Half Way Decent

I see that I was mistaken. Fuck him (cooper)

Grayson, on the other had, is my hero!

[seattle_blue]

65. I'm not taking sides

When Cooper said he wasn't taking sides he wasn't lying. But he should have said wait a minute. I have to stick to this script given to me by my right wing corporate masters. Or he was just taking sides. You decide!

[northofdenali]

67. K&R - Super early AM (for me in Alaska) kick for Grayson!

And a K&R to the OP for the album cover from It's A Beautiful Day - what a group - White bird in a golden cage, on a summer's day, in the rain..............

[Happyhippychick]

68. I want to defend AC for a moment

I think what he was doing was a good thing, he was asking questions in order to get Grayson to clearly state his point of view. There is not a shred of evidence that Cooper believes what he was asking, I think it was what needed to be asked since many who are skeptical of this will be asking those questions in their own heads. He was doing what a journalist should do.

I think he did a good job. And of course I think Grayson is brilliant.

[icee]

69. I think Cooper is a phony totally into self-aggrandizement. Remember

the staged rescue effort? I don't form the racial attachment as easily as Grayson, but he is closer to the situation than I.

[Gin]

70. read that the docs wife is running for some office as a rethug

so...he sure did get her her a lot of publicity and R votes.....

[icee]

71. Excellent point. We are at war, And they may win for no other

reason than they will use anything and everything to win.