Etta James Must Have Independent Medical Exam

In a move that seems mindful of the current accusations against Dr. Conrad Murray -- Michael Jackson's home doctor at the time of his death -- a judge in California ordered an independent medical evaluation of R&B icon Etta James this week. The action was prompted when James' son's attorney raised concerns about the singer's safety in the hands of her home doctor.

James' health has been in steady decline recently and the 72-year-old suffers from dementia, leukemia and kidney problems. According to reports, James' home doctor inserted feeding tubes into her stomach without first transporting her to a hospital, which is what the procedure usually calls for, in the interest of safety.

The doctor -- Dr. Elaine James (unrelated) -- told the Associated Press that she supports the judge's decision and welcomes the additional scrutiny. ""I have a list of 23 medical sub-specialties that I have had to treat her for," she said. "She is not an easy patient."

There is also a family dispute between James' husband and her son over who has James' power of attorney. Currently, that responsibility falls to her son, but her husband protests that James' was in unsound mental health at the time she made that decision in 2008. James' assets are valued at over $1 million.