Article archive / February 2017
Originally published: . Volume 8, No. 2. Source pages: 6.
At the December 5, 2016 meeting of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the board members said that as long as physicians had training in the analysis of testing used to diagnosis dyslexia, he or she “may be qualified to sign off on such testing.”
The board members were asked by Laura Layden Cassidy, MD, if physicians are allowed to sign off on test results, “or must it be a psychologist.” The minutes noted:
“9. Rulings and Advisory Opinions; Physician; Scope of Practice Signing Off on Testing Results. The Board reviewed an inquiry received from Laura Layden Cassidy, M.D., asking whether physicians are allowed to sign off on test results utilized to diagnose dyslexia, ‘or must it be a psychologist’ and if so, what credentials would be needed. Following review and discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to prepare a draft for approval at the next meeting of the Board to advise Dr. Cassidy there are no limitation on the scope of practice for Louisiana licensed physicians, as long as it is within their education, training and experience. To do so would be considered unprofessional conduct by the Board, and as long as the physician has had training in the analysis of testing used to diagnose dyslexia he or she may be qualified to sign off on such testing. With respect to credentialing there may be other qualifications and/or clinical restrictions imposed by hospitals or similar institutions.”
Laura Layden Cassidy, M.D., is wife of Senator Bill Cassidy, who is also a physician and U.S. Senator, according to internet sources.
Senator Cassidy and Dr. Laura Cassidy “co- founded the Louisiana Key Academy, a public charter school focusing on children with dyslexia in East Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes. She serves as President of the board. Laura has received multiple awards and has served on various boards in Louisiana,” according to Senator’s website.
According to Wikipedia, in 1998, Cassidy helped found the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic to provide uninsured residents of the greater Baton Rouge area with access to free health care. The Clinic provides low-income families with free dental, medical, mental health and vision care through a "virtual" approach that links patients with doctors who provide care free of charge.
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