California initiative would require random drug testing of doctors

If an initiative on California’s election ballot passes this November, physicians in the state will be subject to random drug testing and required to report fellow doctors who they suspect are impaired by drugs or alcohol or are medically negligent.

Under the provision, doctors who test positive for drug use would be suspended from practice pending the outcome of an investigation, and those found to be impaired while on duty would be disciplined.

The requirements form part of proposition 46, the Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Cap and Drug Testing of Doctors Initiative, …