Recently, Washington state physician Wei-Hsung Lin, MD, faced a fine of $5,000 by the state’s medical board for prescribing ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lin, who is affiliated with Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, which is part of the Providence health system, was found to have provided substandard care to five patients in 2021.
One of the cases cited by the Washington Medical Commission involved Lin prescribing ivermectin to a 69-year-old man with a complex medical history that included heart ailments, hypertension, and diabetes. This patient was already taking an anticoagulant, which could potentially lead to dangerous drug interactions with ivermectin, resulting in an increased risk of internal bleeding. Additionally, Lin prescribed a double dose of ivermectin to this patient, with the intention of sharing it with his wife, who was experiencing COVID symptoms. The patients ultimately decided not to take the medication after consulting with their son.
In another instance, Lin prescribed ivermectin to a 71-year-old woman who had tested positive for COVID-19. Despite taking the drug for several days, her symptoms did not improve, and she ended up being hospitalized with pneumonia.
Questionable Medical Justifications
Furthermore, Lin prescribed ivermectin to a 37-year-old woman who reported developing symptoms after receiving the COVID vaccine. These symptoms included rash, chest pain, palpitations, weight loss, and fatigue. Lin attributed these symptoms to “persistent spike protein effects” in the body, similar to the long-term effects of COVID-19, and decided to prescribe ivermectin to the patient.
In another case, Lin prescribed ivermectin to a 67-year-old patient without any documented medical justification other than the patient’s request for the drug. This raises concerns about the appropriateness of prescribing medication without proper evaluation.
As a result of these incidents, Lin has been prohibited from prescribing ivermectin for non-FDA-approved indications. Additionally, he is required to conduct in-person or video appointments with patients before prescribing any medications, as some of the cases involved only phone consultations. Lin must also complete 3 hours of continuing medical education (CME) on COVID prevention, treatment, and management, as well as a CME course on the physician-patient relationship and maintaining medical records within the next 6 months.
Moreover, Lin will be tasked with writing two papers, each with a minimum of 1,000 words, on what he has learned from these courses. He will also be subject to compliance audits and will have to submit personal reports regarding his adherence to the board’s directives. After a period of 3 years, Lin may petition for the end of this oversight.
Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where Lin practices, has not responded to requests for comment on the situation. The medical center stated that while it does not endorse the use of ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19, it respects the rights of patients and physicians to discuss all available treatment options based on individual health circumstances.
Interestingly, four other doctors in Washington state have taken legal action against the medical board, challenging its stance on COVID misinformation. Three of these doctors have active licenses in the state but are facing disciplinary measures related to their care of COVID patients. One doctor gave up her Washington license last year.
The case of Dr. Wei-Hsung Lin serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to standard medical practices and guidelines, especially during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences of prescribing medications inappropriately can have serious implications for both patients and healthcare providers alike, underscoring the need for diligence and ethical decision-making in medical practice.
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