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In Our Opinion
The Monticello Express Editorial



Ed Thomas Bill forces hospitals to take responsibility

   On March 2, the jury in the Mark Becker murder trial came back after over 24 hours deliberation with a verdict. Becker was found guilty of first-degree murder, plain and simple. There was no insanity plea. The mandatory sentence in Iowa for a crime of this nature is life in prison.

    The day of the announcement, Ed Thomas’ son was in Des Moines, testifying before the Iowa House committee about the passage of the Ed Thomas Bill. This bill would require all hospitals to notify law enforcement officers when a person is released from the hospital that is wanted by the police.

    Becker was in a hospital the very day before he shot and killed Ed Thomas. He was wanted by law enforcement on separate charges. Had the hospital notified the police of his release, Thomas could be alive today.

    The bill also stipulates that if a hospital fails to notify police in an incidence like this, the hospital will be charged $500.

    In notifying the police, hospitals will not be violating any patient-doctor confidentiality laws. The only information the police would require is the name of the person.

    I am a little surprised this bill has not been enacted before now, 2010! Do hospitals not have a working relationship with our fellow police officers? I know I would want to know if a “wanted” man/woman was out and about.

    When I contacted Jones Regional Medical Center about their policy concerning this matter, office manager Janet Beckman said, “Assuming there is a court order and/or the person is in custody of a law enforcement official, we would cooperate fully and completely with law enforcement officials.” After the Ed Thomas Bill is enacted, ALL hospitals would have to “cooperate fully and completely.”

    After the verdict was read, the Thomas and Becker families gave statements to the press. Becker’s mother said Thomas was a victim of a victim, meaning her son is a victim of mental health. She said he did not receive the proper care he needed. That may be, but I think the verdict speaks for itself, guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity.

    Many times in a case like this, where mental illness may be a factor, people like to blame the system. Well, in some cases, it is the system that is to blame. But I truly believe Becker knew what he was doing. He even talked about it and prepared to follow through with his plan to kill Thomas. The blame is put on Becker, no one else.

    Mrs. Becker also blamed the hospital her son was treated at the night before the shooting. Had they admitted him or contacted the proper authorities, Becker would have been in the custody of law enforcement, not in that gym the morning he shot Thomas. This is due to lack of communication, but I do not think that hospital was at fault. (K.N.B.)



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