Pain doc's conviction overturned

Here's some really good news for a change. The conviction of pain management physician William E. Hurwitz was overturned on appeal yesterday. The appeals court ruled the lower court judge gave improper directions to the jury.

He'll have to go through a whole new trial again, but if he's allowed to use the good faith, best medical practices defense I think he stands a good chance of winning. Of course, his life is already ruined but if he prevails on the retrial it will be a big step forward for the practice of pain management. It might just keep a few practitioners in the specialty. God knows there's not nearly enough doctors as it is to treat Americans who suffer chronic pain.

[hat tip Preston Peet]