Parallels between healthcare workers and police: Systems that drive accountability

Licensing and Accountability in Healthcare vs. Policing

Healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, undergo extensive education, testing, and licensing processes. They must maintain their licenses, which are subject to periodic reviews by regulatory boards. In contrast, there is no mandatory national licensing system for police officers in the United States. While some states have certification processes, the standards and enforcement vary widely. For example, an Associated Press investigation revealed that in Iowa, it often took over a year to decertify officers convicted of serious offenses, allowing them to continue working during that time .

Transparency of Misconduct Records

In healthcare, malpractice records are publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and accountability. The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contains information on medical malpractice payments and adverse actions against healthcare professionals . Additionally, states like Colorado have enacted laws such as the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act, requiring healthcare providers to disclose malpractice history and disciplinary actions .

Conversely, police misconduct records are often shielded from public view. The lack of transparency makes it difficult to hold officers accountable and undermines public trust. Efforts like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act aim to establish a federal registry of police misconduct complaints and disciplinary actions, promoting greater accountability .

Qualified Immunity and Legal Recourse

Healthcare professionals do not have the protection of qualified immunity; they can be sued for malpractice, and patients have legal avenues to seek redress. In contrast, police officers are often shielded by qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that protects government officials from lawsuits alleging constitutional violations unless the violated right was "clearly established" at the time. This protection has been criticized for allowing officers to escape accountability for misconduct. For instance, the Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case that could have clarified the doctrine, leaving victims of police brutality with limited recourse .

Union Influence and Oversight

While both healthcare professionals and police officers may be members of unions or professional associations, the oversight mechanisms differ significantly. In healthcare, state boards and standards bodies prioritize public interest, enforcing regulations and disciplinary actions. In policing, however, strong union protections and the absence of robust oversight often hinder accountability measures.

The comparison between healthcare and policing highlights the need for systemic reforms in law enforcement accountability. Implementing standardized licensing, ensuring transparency of misconduct records, reevaluating qualified immunity, and establishing independent oversight can help build public trust and ensure that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions.

For more insights and resources on promoting accountability and excellence in healthcare and beyond, visit GoodWork Health.