Medical Peer Review in Ohio
Ohio law governs the disclosure of confidential information obtained during a peer review or disciplinary process in certain circumstances. Summaries, reports and records received and maintained by the state medical board must be kept confidential, but may be disclosed for credentialing purposes to relevant hospital committees.1 Any professional association or society that revokes a member physician’s membership for violations of professional ethics or for reasons of professional incompetence or professional malpractice must report that action to the state medical board, including a summary of the underlying facts that led to the action.2 The state medical board must conduct all investigations and proceedings in a manner that protects patient and complainant confidentiality; the board may share information it receives pursuant to an investigation with law enforcement agencies, licensing boards and other governmental agencies that are prosecuting, investigating or adjudicating alleged violations of statutes or administrative rules.3 The board must quarterly report the disposition of all cases.