Some doctors in Michigan are concerned about unintended consequences to their profession if state lawmakers pass some sexual assault bills they’re considering.
Lawmakers continue their response to former MSU sports doctor Larry Nassar’s ability to sexually assault female patients for years.
Rose Ramirez is a family physician near Grand Rapids. She says she agrees with the intent of the legislation.
But Ramirez is worried that a couple of the bills would put too many regulations on an already overly regulated profession. Like a bill that would penalize physicians who don’t document certain types of exams.
“We spend an enormous amount of time completing paperwork. I’d rather sit and talk to my patients during that time.”
“I want to just make sure that we don’t react emotionally and overregulate unnecessarily.”
Representative Klint Kesto is chair of the committee the bills are in front of.
“Well a lot of times we do have that kneejerk reaction, but as the chair of the committee I can assure you we’re going to be responsible and our vision and our foresight is going to be how do we create a better environment.”
Kesto says the committee will likely hear testimony on the bills for several weeks before voting.