The Big Chill

I'm being mouthy again, but sometimes I think have to or I will die. This is what I sent both my national Senators tonight. I have no idea if it will do any good, but I don't think it will do any harm.

Dear Senator,

Two nurses in Kermit, TX (Winkler county) were recently indicted and arrested because they reported a doctor to the Texas Medical Board. While the Medical Board has informed the DA of Winkler County that the nurses in question (Anne Mitchell and Vicki Galle) broke no laws, the case is moving forward.

They had concerns about the quality of care in their rural hospital and could not find anyone to address their concerns within their hospital. So they filed a complaint.

Texas law explicitly prohibits retaliation against nurses for exercising their legislatively-mandated role as whistle-blowers. You can read details of the case here: www.texasnurses.org.

While I realize that you have very clear constitutional limitations when it comes to judicial branch issues, after you review the facts, I ask you to intervene on whatever level you are able and, at the very least, put a corrupt and unjust county government on notice that it is being watched.

The illegal acts were done by the county sheriff and the DA, not by the nurses who acted in good conscience and faith, trying to make sure their patients had the best quality health care available.

A strongly worded letter to the DA deploring this injustice would be appropriate in this situation. That is probably the limit of what you can do, But anything you can do to put them on notice that they're being watched will advance the cause of nurses advocating for their patients.

Nurses are both the first and last lines of defense for their patients. Without the protection to advocate for them, the quality of care will plummet.

It may seem like a small story from west Texas, but the implications are staggering. If speaking up about sub-standard treatment leaves one facing a $10,000 fine and 2-10 years in prison, the quality of health care will continue to deteriorate. If these charges stand, the effect will be chilling.

Any number of health care workers will not report concerns about quality of care. The prospect of a large fine and 2-10 years in jail for reporting someone for sub-standard practice will do nothing to advance health care in this country for any one.

Please do anything you can. Make me want to vote for you.

And I vote.