A Miami anesthesiologist is under investigation after social media posts suggested he would refuse to provide anesthesia to patients who support President Donald Trump.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has urged the Florida Board of Nursing to review Erik Martindale’s conduct and consider revoking his license, citing concerns about ethical obligations and patient safety.
The controversy arose when Martindale allegedly posted on Facebook, “I will not perform anesthesia for any surgeries or procedures for MAGA. It is my right, it is my ethical oath, and I stand behind my education. I own all of my businesses and I can refuse anyone!”
The post was later deleted, but similar statements reportedly appeared on his Threads account, raising doubts about his hacking claim after Libs of TikTok drew attention to the posts.
Uthmeier publicly called for action on X, writing, “Here we go again…Paging @FLNursingBoard!”
He emphasized that healthcare professionals must treat all patients without political bias. “
These people should not have a license,” he said at a press conference on Monday, according to CBS 12. “If you’re going to make threats by saying if someone’s a Republican, they hope they get injured severely in childbirth, that’s unacceptable.”
Legal experts note that licensed medical professionals in Florida are bound by the state’s Nursing Practice Act and the ethical principles of the profession, which require care to be provided without discrimination.
Physicians and nurses are expected to adhere to the Hippocratic Oath and related professional standards, which explicitly prohibit withholding treatment based on personal beliefs or political affiliation.
Florida’s Voice reported that state law grants the Department of Health authority to issue emergency suspensions if a professional’s conduct is deemed to pose a risk to public health or safety.
If the Board of Nursing finds that Martindale’s statements constitute a violation of these regulations, he could face temporary suspension or permanent revocation of his license, in addition to potential disciplinary measures from his employers.
Martindale has not publicly disclosed any internal repercussions, and it remains unclear whether his employers have taken independent action.
The case has drawn national attention amid a broader debate over social media use by medical professionals and the potential consequences when political expression conflicts with patient care responsibilities.
The situation follows a separate high-profile incident involving labor and delivery nurse Lexie Lawler, who was fired after posting a video wishing severe childbirth injuries on White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Uthmeier has also called for immediate license revocation in Lawler’s case, signaling a consistent stance on threatening or politically charged posts by medical professionals.
Healthcare authorities stress that all practitioners are expected to maintain ethical and professional standards, providing care without prejudice.
The Florida Board of Nursing will review both cases as part of its ongoing mandate to safeguard public safety and uphold trust in medical professionals.
Uthmeier’s office emphasized that statements suggesting patients could be harmed based on political affiliation pose a serious concern.
While Martindale has denied responsibility for the posts, citing alleged hacking, the controversy underscores increased scrutiny of healthcare professionals’ online conduct.
The Board of Nursing’s review will determine whether disciplinary action, including possible license revocation, is warranted.
Experts note the outcome could influence how social media activity and political speech are treated within the medical licensing framework nationwide.
