In a recent incident in Washington state, physician Wei-Hsung Lin, MD, faced a fine of $5,000 by the state’s medical board for prescribing ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lin, who is associated with Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, a part of the Providence health system, found himself in hot water due to his actions. The Washington Medical Commission cited Lin for substandard care of five patients in 2021, leading to a strict penalty imposed on him.
In one case, Lin prescribed ivermectin to a 69-year-old man with numerous heart ailments, including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. The patient was also on an anticoagulant, which could potentially interact with ivermectin, increasing the risk of internal bleeding. Additionally, Lin prescribed a double dose of the medication so the patient could share it with his wife, who had COVID symptoms. Despite this, neither patient took the ivermectin after discussing it with their son.
In another instance, Lin prescribed ivermectin to a 71-year-old woman who was COVID-positive. However, after taking the drug for four days, her symptoms did not improve, leading to hospitalization with pneumonia. Furthermore, he also prescribed ivermectin to a 37-year-old woman who reported symptoms following the COVID vaccine, such as rash, chest pain, palpitations, weight loss, and fatigue. Lin attributed these symptoms to “persistent spike protein effects,” similar to long-term effects of COVID-19, and prescribed ivermectin.
Finally, Lin prescribed ivermectin to a 67-year-old patient who simply requested it, without any other documented information. These cases highlight the potential risks and consequences of prescribing medications without proper evaluation and consideration of individual patient circumstances.
As a result of his actions, Lin will not be able to prescribe ivermectin for non-FDA-approved indications and is prohibited from prescribing medications without an in-person or video appointment beforehand. He is required to undergo three hours of continuing medical education on COVID prevention, treatment, and management, as well as a course on the physician-patient relationship and maintaining medical records within six months. Lin must also submit two papers of at least 1,000 words each on the topics learned in the courses and adhere to compliance audits.
After three years, he can request an end to the oversight by the medical board. Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where Lin practices, has cooperated with the board’s investigation but clarified that they do not recommend or permit the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 prevention or treatment. It is essential for healthcare providers to prioritize evidence-based practices and patient safety in their treatment decisions.
The case involving Wei-Hsung Lin is not an isolated incident, as four other doctors in Washington state have sued the medical board, disputing its stance on COVID misinformation. While three of the doctors maintain active licenses in the state, they are facing disciplinary actions related to their alleged inappropriate care of COVID patients. One doctor had surrendered her Washington license the previous year. These challenges underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding medical decision-making during the pandemic.
The repercussions faced by Wei-Hsung Lin serve as a cautionary tale for healthcare providers regarding the importance of adhering to established guidelines and best practices. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety, evidence-based medicine, and ethical considerations in every aspect of patient care, especially during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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