A Broward County, FL, ob/gyn surgeon who failed to take a few simple steps to remain in compliance with professional standards recently faced a disciplinary suspension of 30 days. Dr. Kompal Gadh, as head of the surgery facility bearing her name, was also tasked with ensuring compliance with regulations set forth by the Florida Board of Medicine—and an inspection earlier this year showed that Dr. Gadh had fallen down on that particular job.

According to an administrative complaint issued by the Florida Department of Health, the surgery center was cited for:

• Failing to have emergency intubation equipment on hand
• Insufficient backup power in the event of an electricity outage
• Inadequate IV equipment and solution
• Surgical logs that were incomplete
• A lack of monitors for patients' oxygen levels, blood pressure, or EKG
• Spotty records of scheduled cleaning and environmental testing

Gadh, who was licensed in Florida in 2005, faced several disciplinary outcomes as a result of her violations. She was fined $5,000 and must complete 10 hours' worth of continuing education courses in risk management, laws, rules, and ethics relating to the practice of medicine.

It Could Happen to Anyone

At first glance, these violations sound somewhat shocking. How does a surgical center neglect to clean its autoclaves, stock enough IV equipment, or have a defibrillator on hand? These are maintenance measures that are foundational to any medical practice and, as such, something of a “no-brainer.”

Of course, such seemingly small acts of neglect are a bit easier to understand after a moment's consideration. After all, who among us hasn't slacked off or gotten caught short when it comes to routine chores and tasks, whether at home or in their place of employment? We all forget to order basic supplies once in a while, postpone a cleaning job and then forget to return to it or have some other type of dumb, easily preventable shortcoming.

Then again, doctors and other healthcare professionals can't afford to make even small or simple mistakes. It's one thing when a household runs out of paper towels or has a warren of dirty dust bunnies under the beds; it's quite another when a patient suffers heart failure because there was no defibrillator on hand to revive them.

Dr. Gadh, her staff, and her patients are lucky that nothing more serious than a temporary suspension occurred.

Licenses, Like Lives, Should Not Be Taken Lightly

As a professional—no matter what your field or area of expertise—you've invested far too much time, money, heart, and soul into your education and career to see it felled by a foolish mistake. You know how important it is to safeguard your patients' safety and well-being, not only to be in compliance with state licensing guidelines but also because you care about them. Don't let an oversight get in the way of your good works. Should you fall short of standards, seek professional license defense help.

The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team represents healthcare providers who are facing professional license-related disciplinary actions. To get started regaining your professional license, your livelihood, and your reputation, click here or call 888.535.3686.