amednews.com: Challenges to peer review confidentiality rising

Physician organizations say court rulings that release files could deter doctor participation in the process.

Alicia Gallegos, May 28, 2012

Physicians historically have enjoyed state protections when discussing a colleague’s behavior or analyzing an adverse event in peer review committees. At least 45 states prevent disclosure of what is said during such meetings to facilitate open communication and foster better health care.

But a recent rise in legal challenges against peer review protections is putting doctors’ confidentiality — and the process itself — at risk, legal experts and physicians say.

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