Hospital Peer Reviews

A hospital peer review is a way for hospitals to investigate the performance of doctors and other staff. The methods of these reviews often vary from hospital to hospital and state to state, but generally involve an investigation of a person’s job performance by collecting information from doctors, nurses, supervisors, patients, or others who may interact professionally with the person under investigation.

Potential Results

The results of a review by hospital peers can have a significant impact on a medical professional’s practice and career. If a review reveals that a staff member may have violated laws or regulations, or may be guilty of hospital negligence, the results of the review may be reported to the state licensing board.

A licensing board that receives a report of a negative hospital peer review is required to investigate the doctor or nurse in question. Not only can the hospital impose its own sanctions for violations or poor performance, but the licensing board itself can also take disciplinary action. A peer review case can become especially serious if the licensing board decides to suspend the practitioner’s license or take other disciplinary action.

Defending your case

What appears to be a minor action can have serious consequences for the professional in question if they are suspected of having violated the license or the hospital. If you are facing a hospital peer review or licensing investigation, consider consulting with a medical license defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney who specializes in license defense can represent her case to ensure that her legal rights and interests are protected.