Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Voluntary Recovery Program (V.R.P.) Information

If you are a Licensed Professional in Pennsylvania and have questions about your license, the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website is a great tool to use.  The site provides information relating to V.R.P. and other programs you may have questions about.  




However, if you are in a situation that could put your license and/or future at risk, you should contact my office to discuss your situation immediately.  


Paletta Law of Joseph A. Paletta
412.391.7999

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2 women charged with stealing drugs from Greensburg hospital

2 women charged with stealing drugs from Greensburg hospital
Tribune-Review
By Bob Stiles
Published: Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Two women have been charged with diverting pain medicine from a Greensburg hospital and a city doctor's office for personal or family use, officials said on Thursday….
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If you have been charged with a crime similar to those described in this article, it is urgent that you discuss your situation with an Attorney immediately as it is extremely important that you understand your rights.

You should not meet with or discuss the facts with anyone before consulting with an Attorney who is experienced at representing individuals in your situation.

Taking action without knowing your rights may seriously damage your future.

Contact my office immediately to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation.

Law office of Joseph Alexander Paletta
412.391.7999

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Medical Profession Ethics From Different Viewpoints -

Read the full Article:   http://www.onislam.net/english/health-and-science/faith-and-the-sciences/418888-ethics-of-the-medical-profession-from-the-islamic-viewpoint-.html

Ethics of the Medical Profession from the Islamic Viewpoint

(1 vote, average 5.00 out of 5)

By Hossam Arafa
Monday, 21 October 2013 00:00
Medical Ethics
Medical ethics draw their essence from Islamic teachings.
The medical profession has been characterized since its dawn in history by the tremendous responsibilities its practitioners shoulder: extensive knowledge, proper morals, performance dedication, self-denial, and mercy towards all people without discrimination.
Medical ethics draw their essence from Islamic teachings, which call for honesty, sound performance, and God consciousness in every act. They also accommodate what is commonly recognized as noble characteristics and upright traditions, evolved from local heritage and imparted from other cultures, but not contradicting the laws of Islam.
The regulations governing the practice of the medical profession stipulate that the physician must practice his profession for the benefit of the individual and the community within the framework of respecting man's right to live, safety and dignity. And, he must observe in his practice the upheld customs and traditions of the country.
The physician has certain obligations towards his community, patients and colleagues.....





Stop this insanity - Lockhaven.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - The Express

Stop this insanity - Lockhaven.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - The Express

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Treatment for nurses improving with creation of wellness programs

Another great read....

Treatment for nurses improving with creation of wellness programs



Jack, an operating room nurse at a Philadelphia hospital, had always enjoyed his drink but began boozing too much -- and he knew it. Yet he might have never sought help had his employer not referred him to a new rehab and assistance program built for, and run by, fellow nurses.
"As a health care professional, it's really scary to ask for help," said Jack, who didn't want his last name published. "You're afraid of the stigma that goes with it. You're afraid your employer isn't going to want to help you.
"Ultimately, as nurses, we think we can fix ourselves."
Nurses have stressful, emotionally draining jobs. Erratic hours. Easy access to prescription drugs. And many have an indefatigable sense of heroism, determined to care for everyone else before taking care of themselves.
For some, it's an unhealthy combination -- one that could cost them their careers.

Every month, the Pennsylvania Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs issues a list of state-certified professionals who have lost their licenses for any number of reasons.
And every month, dozens of nurses lose their certifications -- either permanently or temporarily -- for stealing prescription drugs, "inability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of addiction," and "physiological or psychological dependence upon alcohol, hallucinogenic or narcotic drugs or other drugs."
Still others have licenses suspended because, having previously been flagged for drug or alcohol use, they couldn't abide by the terms of state-mandated recovery programs...


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/treatment-for-nurses-improving-with-creation-of-wellness-programs-258569/#ixzz2hI1Kx8EO



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

AG: Hospital tech stole painkillers, swapped drugs | Allegheny Co. News - WTAE Home

AG: Hospital tech stole painkillers, swapped drugs | Allegheny Co. News - WTAE Home


Attention Doctors, Nurses and Pharmacists. 

The news article “AG Hospital Tech Stole Painkillers Swapped Drugs” reported on the common problem of the abuse of narcotics and medications by those persons with access to narcotics.  This access to narcotics can be from a hospital pharmacy, or  McKesson and Pyxis narcotics dispensing machines.  However, where there is access to narcotics, there is abuse.  This abuse is referred to as “diversion” which mean narcotics are diverted from their prescribed purpose, and  instead abused or sold.

Hospitals regularly review patient charts, dispensing machine (McKesson and Pyxis) records and pharmacy records to determine if these narcotics are being used as prescribed.  When the records reflect a problem, such as a failure to administer all narcotics and failure to document waste, a red flag or alert is raised, and an investigation is initiated.  These investigations usually result in disciplinary action, license suspension, and even criminal prosecution. 

You can discover additional information about this problem by logging on to my website, or contacting me directly.
Source (WTAE.COM):  http://www.wtae.com/news/local/allegheny/AG-Hospital-tech-stole-painkillers-swapped-drugs/-/10927008/18049580/-/sabcg4/-/index.html