LANSING – State Representative Bettie C. Scott (D-Detroit) today introduced a plan that will prevent convicted sex offenders from having their health care license reissued and resuming their practice, protecting residents from potential harm.
"As a female legislator, I have received numerous statements from women who have been victimized by individuals
who are in a position of control, such as health care professionals," Scott said. "I am appalled that a convicted sex
offender who committed their crime on the job can continue to practice with a license issued by the state of Michigan. I
am committed to making sure our state's residents are protected against those who abuse their professional license to
practice."
The plan would prevent convicted sexual offenders from renewing their health care license, denying them access to
patients. Currently, convicted sex offenders in Michigan can be reissued their licenses on a case-by-case basis, often
with added restrictions.
The problem was brought to Scott's attention because of the case of a 51-year-old Farmington Hills dentist who was
convicted of sexually assaulting a patient in 2002. The man, who pleaded guilty to drugging and raping his patient, was
convicted of two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two drug charges. The State Board of Dentistry
allowed him to obtain a restricted license to practice in 2007.
"The health care profession is a sacred trust, and I will not stand for those who violate that trust being allowed
to practice in Michigan ever again," Scott said. "Our residents deserve to feel safe when they visit their dentist, a
hospital, or even their pediatrician."