KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasMolestation Case Inspires Doctor Background Checks in Nevada
Click here to contact Reporter Cindy Cesare.
A local pediatrician accused of molesting two young boys was back in court Wednesday. Doctor David Evans faces charges in Las Vegas and California for molestation. His hearing was postponed for another week because his attorney needs to meet with local police to sort through all the charges.
Evans is charged with molesting his little brother in the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program here in Las Vegas. None of Dr. Evans' patients have reported any inappropriate acts.
Evans did not have any previous convictions in other states before he began his residency at University Medical Center and Sunrise Hospital.
But a new bill about to be proposed in our state legislature was inspired by Doctor Evans' case. The bill would involve a more comprehensive background check for Nevada doctors.
Dr. David Evans wasn't charged with child molestation until he arrived in Nevada. But Metro Police are investigating whether he committed crimes against children in states where he lived previously.Currently only osteopathic doctors in Nevada have an FBI fingerprint background in addition to the extensive six-month investigation of their medical history. But a Las Vegas assemblyman is writing a bill that would require all medical doctors to receive that background check.
William Horne (D) Las Vegas Assemblyman says, "We don't want physicians from other states who can't practice because of their background check to start using Nevada as a safe haven where they can practice and possibly hurt the people of Nevada."
Ophthalmologist, Dr. Rudy Manthei was behind the legislation to "Keep Doctors in Nevada." The only concern he has as a State Osteopathic Board member is that the background checks could slow the process of licensing doctors here. But like with osteopathic doctors, a license could be issued and then taken way if the background check showed illegal activity.
Dr. Manthei says, "On the application it does mention; 'Do you have any felonies, misdemeanors or actions against you?' So, if you were to list no under that question, that would be grounds for taking your license away anyway."
As southern Nevada continues to grow, both doctors and legislators are concerned that quality medical care is available in this state through this legislation.
Other states have already enacted similar background checks on doctors.
If this bill is proposed and passes in Nevada, it would not include dentists.
