Guam - The Guam Board of Medical Examiners has yet to respond to an April 30 letter from Senator Tina Muna Barnes relative to whether the Patient Protection Through Information Act has been fully implemented. KUAM News had inquired with GBME chairman Dr. Kia Rahmani the week the letter was sent where he responded by saying he would wait until the board's May 11 meeting to get more information on the request.

He did, however, tell KUAM that although a law has been implemented, the board hasn't been financed to follow through with any of the mandates adding the board is experiencing staff constraints as well.

As we reported, the law requires the GBME to provide information within four days regarding any enforcement actions taken against a licensed physician. The law also requires that any information released is in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines.

Senator Barnes meanwhile did send a follow-up letter Tuesday to the chairman. Dr. Rahmani tells KUAM that family emergencies have pulled him away from home and should be back in one week adding a formal response should be sent to Senator Barnes in the next few days.