Focusing on quality: medical boards increasing commitment to competency cases

Article Abstract:

State medical boards are beginning to investigate competency and quality of care instead of concentrating only on criminal cases. They have been hampered in the past by a lack of funds and by physicians' reluctance to investigate their colleagues, but outside pressure has recently increased. Some boards are adopting random audits and competency tests, such as those used in Canada. Other boards subpoena physicians' records as part of their investigations, and some require doctors to do mini-residencies as a form of remedial discipline. Additional approaches are described.

Investigations, Medical care quality, Negligence, Clinical competence, Health boards

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Getting more physicians involved in quality review

Article Abstract:

State medical boards searching for methods to improve physician quality review can study the example of Maryland, where all complaints are referred to the medical society. The society evaluates each case to determine whether standards have been met. However, some observers warn that boards serve the public, but medical societies answer to the professions. The AMA plans four pilot projects to study the role of state societies in peer review.

Health aspects, Models, Physicians, Medical professions, Maryland, Peer review

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Board approach tries mediation over litigation; Massachusetts tests new way to handle complaints

Article Abstract:

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has set up a test program, the Voluntary Mediation Program, to resolve patients' complaints against physicians and surgeons and avoid excessive litigation. Although only a small number of cases have been mediated, the board hopes to widen the scope of the program to include more cases involving relatively minor disciplinary action.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Health Programs-State, Services, Negotiation, mediation and arbitration, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Health policy, Massachusetts. Board of Registration in Medicine

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