The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by M. George Thompson, D.O., president of the Board. Present for roll call were M. George Thompson, D.O., James Reynolds, M.D., Robert Ferrell, M.D., Richard I. Porter, M.D., Milton Mutch, M.D., and Patrick Burchill. Staff members present were Paul Jensen, Charvin Dixon, Jane Phalen and Glenda Rekstad.
The Board reviewed a report of licenses issued since its last meeting and accepted such for information purposes.
The Board met with John Knecht, M.D., concerning his completion of probation.
The Board met with Lisa Robin and Lee Smith, M.D., representing the Federation of State Medical Boards.
The Board met with Physician Assistant Sub-Committee members Jan Hines and Rodney King. Discussion was held concerning casting privileges for physician assistants. After discussion, Dr. Ferrell moved that the Board define casting as the practice of medicine, and that physician assistants be allowed to cast non-displaced fractures and secondary casts under the direct supervision of their primary supervising physician. The motion was seconded and carried.
Discussion was held concerning physician assistant practice without proper licensure. After discussion, Dr. Ferrell moved that, prior to any return to practice, the board require the supervising physician contact his or her malpractice carrier concerning the physician assistant’s practice without proper licensure, and that the physician assistant be issued a private letter of reprimand. The motion was seconded and carried. In addition, Dr. Ferrell moved that a letter be sent to all physician assistants and supervising physicians stating that when there is a change of supervision, it is the responsibility of the supervising physician and the physician assistant to insure licensure prior to practice, and that if the physician assistant begins practice before the change of supervision is approved, the physician will be required to contact his or her malpractice carrier concerning the physician assistant’s practice without proper licensure. The motion was seconded and carried. The Board also discussed the possible future notification to patients and payors regarding unlicensed practice.
Discussion was held concerning ATLS training for physician assistants practicing in the emergency room setting, and the Board’s previous decision that ATLS training be obtained within 90 days of the board’s approval of privileges. Dr. Mutch moved that the physician assistant attend an ATLS class or provide proof of enrollment in ATLS classes within 90 days. The motion was seconded and carried.
Discussion was held concerning interpretation of SDCL 36-4-10. After discussion, Dr. Ferrell moved that Mr. Jensen and Mr. Dixon submit letters to Governor Rounds and Attorney General Long asking that Mr. Long defer this opinion. The motion was seconded and carried.
Discussion was held concerning James Anderson, M.D. Dr. Mutch moved to accept the Board agreement with Dr. Anderson. The motion was seconded and carried.
Discussion was held concerning registered agents for the South Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. After discussion, it was resolved to name L. Paul Jensen and Charvin Dixon as the registered agents for the South Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners and authorize them to issue checks and conduct business on behalf of the South Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
The next meeting of the Board will be 9:00 a.m., September 18, 2003, in Sioux Falls.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
