New Program for Addicted Physicians Spurs Debate

There is widespread support for legislation to create a new state program to help doctors who are struggling with addiction, but consumer advocates, doctors and lawmakers still are debating the language of the bill. A previous program was shut down five years ago after audits found it failed to hold doctors with addition problems accountable and fell short in protecting the public.

• "Controversy Surrounds Efforts To Help Addicted Doctors, Protect Patients" (Jewett, California Watch, 8/24).