Investigation reveals lack of consequences for doctors spreading COVID misinformation
– An investigation by The Washington Post highlights the lack of consequences for doctors spreading medical misinformation about COVID remedies and treatments.
Many doctors were found to be promoting alleged COVID remedies like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine
– which were not effective for treating COVID-19 but gained popularity due to political support.
– Doctors were also spreading false statements about vaccines, masks, and treatments, contributing to confusion and conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
– Some doctors were even equating the COVID vaccine to "needle rape" and making untrue claims about the effectiveness of treatments.
– The investigation found that at least 480 COVID misinformation-related complaints were identified across all 50 states.
– However, due to limited monitoring and underresourced state medical boards, only about 20 doctors were sanctioned in some way, with just five losing their licenses.
– Oversight boards are overtaxed, underresourced, and often lack the authority to discipline doctors for spreading misinformation.
– Some states have taken steps to make it harder for oversight boards to regulate doctors promoting misinformation.
– Doctors' spreading of misinformation can have serious consequences, as patients may be prescribed ineffective treatments or delay receiving proper medical care.
– The investigation underscores the importance of addressing the spread of medical misinformation by doctors, given their trusted status in society.