Proceeding against doctor for headscarf ban

Doctor has to answer for headscarf ban

Proceeding against doctor for headscarf ban
The Wächtersbach doctor, who had caused a stir throughout Germany with his practice rules for foreign patients, has to undergo disciplinary proceedings in front of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) Hessen. The doctor should take position in the context of a hearing against the committee attitude to its at that time procedure, explained a speaker of the KV.

Practice rules caused a stir throughout Germany
Although he has withdrawn the rules of practice and later apologized for his disproportionate push, the topic for the Panel Association has not yet ended. She decided to initiate a disciplinary procedure against the physician from Wächtersbach in the Main-Kinzig district. In addition, the State Medical Association also examined the case thoroughly. As part of the self-imposed practice rules of the doctor, for example, this had ordered a headscarf ban on his premises, provided for a treatment of patients German knowledge and the treatment of Muslim extended families with more than five children rejected in principle. After the nationwide outcry over such a bold approach, the physician immediately withdrew his rules of practice and apologized to those affected for his inappropriate behavior.

Warning, fine or withdrawal of approval possible sanctions
For the doctor, the matter was probably done, but not for many of the affected patients and not for the Kassenärztliche union. The latter has now instituted a disciplinary procedure in which the doctor should orally justify his actions in front of a three-member body. Actually, it is against the medical oath to pass such rules for the treatment of patients. In addition, the contract medical duty states that a doctor must treat his patients regardless of religion, origin or gender, said the spokeswoman of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. The doctor is therefore threatened with sanctions, which may range from a warning about a fine to the withdrawal of registration. If the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians decides to take the latter step, the physician will probably no longer be able to treat legally insured persons in the future. But an acquittal is also conceivable if the physician can convince the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung of his position.

Treatment difficulties as justification questionable
The justification given so far that there have been difficulties in treatment is unlikely to be sufficient to convince the panel of two physicians and one presiding judge. The doctor is, however, allowed to bring legal advice to the hearing, so that the public may be curious as to which legal arguments can be added. An accurate date for the disciplinary proceedings is not yet determined, according to the KV spokeswoman, but the negotiations should take place this year. The initiation of the procedure was not substantiated by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. (14.10.2010, fp)

Also read:
Criticism of headscarf ban in medical practice
Doctor imposes headscarf ban in his practice

Image: Jerzy Sawluk