LOS ANGELES (AP) — California medical professionals who have abused drugs will now face drug tests twice a week and be immediately removed if they relapse.

Department of Consumer Affairs Director Brian Stigler says the state will protect patients by increasing scrutiny on nurses, dentists and medical professionals who have abused drugs.

The rule change announced Thursday requires health workers in state-run recovery programs to take at least 104 drug tests in their first year, more than double the strictest current requirement.

The state will also post their license restrictions on the Internet.

The new rule responds to problems first reported by a Los Angeles Times investigation, which found that nurses stole drugs and treated patients while participating in the state's recovering program.

___

Information from: Los Angeles Times