To: The Tennessee State House and Governor Bill Lee
Requesting resignation of Rep. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport and Dale Ford, R.-Jonesborough of Tennessee
I am outraged that the licenses of three nurses, employees of Appalachian Medical were reinstated while a TBI investigation was still continuing. I request the resignation of Rep. Tony Shipley, R.-Kingsport and Dale Ford, R-Jonesborough. I request a complete investigation of possible misconduct or false reporting to the Department of Health and the resignation of Rep. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport and Dale Ford, R-Jonesborough of Tennessee.
Why is this important?
TBI raided Appalachian Medical Center, Johnson City, TN in 2007 due to what TBI investigators reported as a "pill mill" that contributed to the death of 47 patients. No charges were filed. The licenses of 3 nurses, employees with Appalachian Medical were suspended. In May, 2011 their licenses were reinstated with the assistance of representatives, Shipley and Ford even though the TBI investigation was still continuing. In April, 2011 Shipley advocated a house amendment to reduce the number of nursing board members that could further risk the health of Tennesseans. Gov. Haslem of Tennesse stated, " I don't like it when people use their leverage to accomplish a personal agenda". Ford's sister was a employee of Appalachian Medical. Shipley identified himself as "the rascal behind the scenes that made it all happen".