On June 12, attorney Amy Magnano presented a case defending Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, against nurse allegations of improper conduct, The Seattle Times reports.
Here are seven insights:
1. Nurses at Seattle-based Swedish Neuroscience Institute on the Cherry Hill campus alleged Dr. Delashaw created a hostile environment, sending coworkers into submission as they were too afraid to ask questions that impacted patient care.
2. On March 1, Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, resigned from his post as chair of the Swedish Neuroscience Institute, amid a state health regulatory investigation into complaints filed against him, The Seattle Times reported.
3. The investigation came to fruition after The Seattle Times published an investigative report in February into the spine and neurosurgery services at Providence Health & Services Swedish-Cherry Hill hospital. The invasive brain and spine procedures generated around $500 million in net operating revenue in 2015 as well as saw higher Medicare reimbursement per inpatient visit than any other hospital of its size.
4. Ms. Magnano argued against the allegations in front of a state Medical Quality Assurance Commission panel. The three-member panel will determine whether Dr. Delashaw's license will remain suspended. State regulators suspended his license in May, citing "an immediate threat to public health and safety," in commission documents.
5. Ms. Magnano argued the majority of nurse allegations referenced 2015 events, so Dr. Delashaw is not an immediate threat to safety in 2017. She further alleged the nurses were pushing a "personal agenda."
6. Assistant Attorney General Tracy Bahm said the nurse allegations should uphold Dr. Delashaw's license suspension.
7. The Medical Quality Assurance Commission panel will likely share a decision within a few days.