Medical Board to appeal ruling on physician’s role in executions

RALEIGH (AP) — The state Medical Board will appeal a judge’s decision that the panel overstepped its authority by threatening to punish physicians for participating in executions.

The board’s policy effectively triggered a moratorium on the state’s death penalty. North Carolina has not executed a condemned inmate since August 2006.

The ruling issued last month by Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens also said executions are not medical procedures.

Board spokeswoman Dena Konkel says the board isn’t commenting further on its decision. The board is meeting this week in Raleigh.

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