Monday, April 1, 2024 | 2 a.m.
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On his HBO show “Last Week Tonight,” John Oliver recently reported on medical boards, highlighting a cry for help that victims of Samuel Chacon, whose license is suspended, have for years been asking for.
Chacon is accused of forced sterilization, sexual abuse, reproductive coercion, malpractice claims, etc. Similarly, Las Vegas OB-GYN George Chambers was accused of offering two patients money to pose nude for advertisements. Oliver noted that doctors can practice during investigations, even if it they include conviction of a crime.
The Federation of State Medical Boards recommends a fourth of each board’s membership include community members, which Nevada’s does. However, it seems doctors are protecting their own either by bulldozing public members, or else our board is defunct and it is time for Gov. Joe Lombardo to clean house and appoint those who can get the job done.
In 2023, reports that sat for years were finally taken seriously and resulted in Chacon’s license being suspended.
Chambers grossly abused his position of trust and while he was technically given a two-year revocation, the Medical Board immediately suspended it as long as Chambers took a course, paid a fine and is seeing patients with a chaperone.
About 600 individuals have been harmed by Chacon. They, their loved ones and their supporters demand action that only Lombardo is responsible for and only he can take. Do not fail them for another day. Revoke Chacon’s license permanently. Do not allow this board to work ineffectually. Lives are on the line.
