By Jennifer Mitchell
Editor, Action for Better Healthcare
She could have faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the charges, but a jury was quick to decide that nurse Anne Mitchell was not guilty of misusing official information when reporting a Texas doctor for unethical practices.
After the jury returned the verdict, Mitchell said her actions were never a personal vendetta against the doctor and she promised to continue to report bad behavior and alleged misconduct if she feels patients are being placed at risk.
Patient safety advocates are still concerned. Some say the mere fact the nurse was prosecuted could have lingering effects and could prevent others from coming forward to report misconduct.
Here is a portion of the story reported by the Associated Press:
After the jury returned its verdict, Mitchell said her complaint “had nothing to do with personal feelings,” and she would continue to report doctors if she believes they are not giving patients proper care.
“I still have to do those things for patients,” said Mitchell, who would have faced up to 10 years in prison if she had been convicted. “My duty’s never changed.”
Dozens of nurses filled the courtroom throughout this week’s trial, and many wept when the verdict was announced. Nursing associations and health care watchdogs across the country rallied around Mitchell, calling the case is a key test of physician accountability. Alex Winslow, executive director of the patient safety advocacy group Texas Watch, said Thursday’s acquittal doesn’t end the concern.
“Whether Ms. Mitchell was convicted or exonerated, was largely irrelevant to the long-term impact her prosecution will have on Texas patients,” he said in a statement. “The very fact that she was prosecuted will make individuals who have information that could save lives will think twice before speaking up, putting Texas patients at risk.”
Let us know what you think. Did the jury come back with the right decision? Post comments below.
Related story. Watch video
Nurse whistle-blower in court for reporting doctor
By Jennifer Mitchell
Editor, Action for Better Healthcare
She could have faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the charges, but a jury was quick to decide that nurse Anne Mitchell was not guilty of misusing official information when reporting a Texas doctor for unethical practices.
After the jury returned the verdict, Mitchell said her actions were never a personal vendetta against the doctor and she promised to continue to report bad behavior and alleged misconduct if she feels patients are being placed at risk.
Patient safety advocates are still concerned. Some say the mere fact the nurse was prosecuted could have lingering effects and could prevent others from coming forward to report misconduct.
Here is a portion of the story reported by the Associated Press:
After the jury returned its verdict, Mitchell said her complaint “had nothing to do with personal feelings,” and she would continue to report doctors if she believes they are not giving patients proper care.
“I still have to do those things for patients,” said Mitchell, who would have faced up to 10 years in prison if she had been convicted. “My duty’s never changed.”
Dozens of nurses filled the courtroom throughout this week’s trial, and many wept when the verdict was announced. Nursing associations and health care watchdogs across the country rallied around Mitchell, calling the case is a key test of physician accountability. Alex Winslow, executive director of the patient safety advocacy group Texas Watch, said Thursday’s acquittal doesn’t end the concern.
“Whether Ms. Mitchell was convicted or exonerated, was largely irrelevant to the long-term impact her prosecution will have on Texas patients,” he said in a statement. “The very fact that she was prosecuted will make individuals who have information that could save lives will think twice before speaking up, putting Texas patients at risk.”
Let us know what you think. Did the jury come back with the right decision? Post comments below.
Related story. Watch video Nurse whistle-blower in court for reporting doctor