Do you think this law is fair in regards to healthcare workers in Illinois?

Here in Illinois today, a law just went into effect, revoking any health care professional who practice under a license or certificate from working in the health care field who were convicted of sexual assault, misdemanor battery against a patient, or any forcible felony against a patient. Many practicing doctors and nurses alike lost their Illinois license...Do you feel that this law is justifiable, or do you think that those who were convicted should be given a second chance especially if they were not a multiple offender. Would like to hear other people views on this issue.
I could see this crossing the line on occasion for that rare case involving a misunderstanding. But I think that it's a great protection for patients. What concern me is that you said many nurses and physicians are losing their license.

Quote from adogloverhere in illinois today, a law just went into effect, revoking any health care professional who practice under a license or certificate from working in the health care field who were convicted of sexual assault, misdemanor battery against a patient, or any forcible felony against a patient. many practicing doctors and nurses alike lost their illinois license...do you feel that this law is justifiable, or do you think that those who were convicted should be given a second chance especially if they were not a multiple offender. would like to hear other people views on this issue.

I'm going through them one by one. I think it's important to look at the definitions of such crimes in the state, consider whether the conviction is a misdemeanor or a felony, and think about the circumstances that could fit the definition and lead to a conviction. For example, a bar brawl could lead to a conviction of misdemeanor assault and battery, and we all know that bar brawls are just real clusterfugs in which many people are involved in instigating it, but one person (the convicted) may have just not backed down when he/she should have and got at least one really good punch in. A felony conviction of assault and battery has different criteria and is often more serious (either because of the extent of the injury or because of the relative innocence of the victim, as in the elderly or children). In other words, you can't just look at the title of the conviction with a layperson's sensibilities and make a judgement.In Illinois, sexual assault is defined this way:Criminal Sexual Assault-Criminal Sexual Assault occurs when the accused commits sexual penetration and any of the following conditions exist:Force or threat of force, orDefendant knows the victim does not understand the nature of the act, or victim is incapable of consenting, orVictim is under 18 and the accused is a family member, orThe victim is at least 13 years old but under 18 years old and the accused is 17 years of age or older; and held a position of trust, authority or supervision in relation to the victim.720 ILCS 5/12-13

misdemeanor battery against a patient is especially prone to quick judgements because of the word "battery." (that layman's sensibility reaction again....) a doctor performing a medical procedure without an informed consent can be considered battery against a patient.ever been in a code situation where the code of the patient is in flux, due to the family not making a clear decision or miscommunication between the family and other hcws? that could lead to a battery charge if you get a family who is ticked off enough.i think the misdemeanor battery charge should be looked at on a case-by-case basis.battery is found in the criminal code at [color=#2361a1]720 ilcs 5/12-3, which provides the following:a person commits battery if he (or she) intentionally or knowingly without legal justification and by any means causes bodily harm to an individual or makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with an individual.

I think this is completely justified. A person convicted of any of these offenses has no business around a vulnerable population such as patients. Note that the only misdemeanor was "battery against a patient", not the kind of assault charge resulting from a bar brawl.To say "they only did it once" would be like saying "Well he was only convicted of pedophilia once, lets let him coach Little League anyway."

Quote from bagladyrnI think this is completely justified. A person convicted of any of these offenses has no business around a vulnerable population such as patients. Note that the only misdemeanor was "battery against a patient", not the kind of assault charge resulting from a bar brawl.To say "they only did it once" would be like saying "Well he was only convicted of pedophilia once, lets let him coach Little League anyway."

In Illinois, a forcible felony is defined as “treason, first degree murder, second degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, robbery, burglary, arson, aggravated kidnaping, kidnaping, aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual.”  720 ILCS 5/2-8

Quote from adogloverHere in Illinois today, a law just went into effect, revoking any health care professional who practice under a license or certificate from working in the health care field who were convicted of sexual assault, misdemanor battery against a patient, or any forcible felony against a patient. Many practicing doctors and nurses alike lost their Illinois license...Do you feel that this law is justifiable, or do you think that those who were convicted should be given a second chance especially if they were not a multiple offender. Would like to hear other people views on this issue.

Quote from kalevra i find it strange that they are still practicing after being convicted of such serious crimes. the other part that worries me is how many practicing doctors and nurses have been convicted of sexual assault and still treating patients? are we talking children?

Why do we go through criminal background checks??? To see if we palmed a Twinkie from Seven-Eleven???

Quote from adogloverHere in Illinois today, a law just went into effect, revoking any health care professional who practice under a license or certificate from working in the health care field who were convicted of sexual assault, misdemanor battery against a patient, or any forcible felony against a patient. Many practicing doctors and nurses alike lost their Illinois license...Do you feel that this law is justifiable, or do you think that those who were convicted should be given a second chance especially if they were not a multiple offender. Would like to hear other people views on this issue.

Why on earth is this just now happening? It's nuts. http://www.rrstar.com/news/x35138659...-sex-offenders