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Medical Peer Review in Pennsylvania

        Pennsylvania recognizes the use of peer review committees within its medical facilities.  The proceedings and records of peer review committees will be confidential and may not be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any civil action against a professional health care provider.1  However, all health care facilities must report to the state board within 60 days of termination of a physician due to a suspicion of malpractice or misconduct, the resignation of a physician to avoid the imposition of disciplinary measures, or the receipt of written information that a physician at the facility has been convicted of a felony.2  All reports are considered confidential information and will not be subject to inspection or disclosure in any manner, unless a formal request by an authorized public agency is made or pursuant to a judicial subpoena.3

        Additionally, any information or materials used solely by the state board of medicine or osteopathic medicine in an investigation of a physician will remain confidential and privileged.  This does not preclude releasing the results of any investigation entered into.4

 

Footnotes

  • 1. 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 425.4
  • 2. 35 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 448.806a
  • 3. 35 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 448.806a
  • 4. 40 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 1303.907

 

Medical Peer Review in Pennsylvania

Subtopic Statute/Regulation Description
Medical Peer Review Confidentiality of records of licensure boards - 40 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 1303.907 All documents, materials or information utilized solely for investigation undertaken by the state board of medicine or the state board of osteopathic...
Confidentiality of review organization's records - 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 425.4 The proceedings and records of a peer review committee will be confidential and may not be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any...
Reporting Incidents of Professional Misconduct - 35 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 448.806a All health care facilities and hospitals must report to the applicable state board within 60 days of the occurrence of any of the following events...