"GAG ORDER" REVERSED

Right to Speak Out on Patient Care Protected.
Doctors Council SEIU members won a major victory in late April when our right to speak out on patient care was protected

Dr. Gary Peters

and reaffirmed.  The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) attempted to stop doctors from speaking to the press.  After being faced with legal action, the DOHMH backed off its “gag order” of informing doctors not to speak to the press.  

Doctors Council SEIU members pride ourselves on being part of a Union for Doctors and a Voice for Patients.  Speaking out for ourselves and our colleagues is important.  Equally important is advocating for our patients and the patient services we provide the communities we serve. 

We have been in a struggle to preserve the Oral Health program in the New York City DOHMH.  This vitally important program is over 100 years old and provides dental care for the school children of the City’s public schools, including many minority and immigrant families.  The DOHMH is proposing to eliminate the Oral Health program at the end of June.  Many parents, children, teachers and community groups are outraged by this.  Part of our efforts to speak out about the program involves getting the message out to the communities, politicians and the media.

When our doctors were contacted by various news organizations, including television stations and newspapers, the DOHMH informed the doctors that they were not allowed to speak to the press.  This “gag order” cut to the core of the ability to advocate for patient care.  Doctors Council SEIU attorneys wrote to the DOHMH Commissioner Doctor Thomas Frieden informing him that unless he rescinded the “gag order” on the doctors, the union would take legal action.  The following day, the general counsel of the DOHMH responded that the doctors could speak about the program on their own time and away from City property.  

One of our members involved in speaking to the media and facing the “gag order” is Dr. Gary Peters.  Dr.  Peters has worked for the Oral Health program for almost 25 years.  “I have to admit that I was somewhat nervous and scared when I was told by my supervisor that I could not speak to the media.  Some of my colleagues were also warned not to speak to the media.  But the issue was too important,” states Dr. Peters.  “Many of the doctors have already testified before the City Council and had spoken to parents and the communities.  Addressing the media is a vital part of getting our message out about protecting patient care.  In this case, we are talking about stopping the closing of a needed program and advocating for children and families.  When I knew I had the full support and backing of my union – Doctors Council SEIU- I decided to stick up for my patients.  I view that as much as part of my job as anything else.  I am glad that we prevailed on this issue and that my union was there for us.  The ability of doctors to speak out for our patients must be protected.”