Colorado ASCs Can Now Perform Physician Peer Review

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Written by Stephanie Wasek

Sunday, 13 April 2008

In a move touted as "improving quality of care and patient safety," Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter signed HB 1075, which lets ASCs form physician peer review committees, earlier this month. Peer review was previously only allowed by the state's hospitals.

?This measure will pay huge dividends across the state,? says Rep. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins), the bill's sponsor, in a statement. ?Most of the surgery performed in the state is outpatient. Modernizing the Colorado Peer Review Act is a simple, cost effective way to improve care.?

The new law lets outpatient surgery facilities establish committees reviewing and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of patient care, as well as the conduct of attending physicians. It also requires reporting of disciplinary actions to the state's Board of Medical Examiners and the National Practitioner Data Bank. ASCs that let peer review committees conduct oversight of activities were previously subject to litigation.

?Peer review has a huge impact on the quality of care,? says Rep. Kefalas. ?Let?s do what we can now to help all Coloradans get the very best care available.?

According to the release, 80 percent of all surgery in the state is outpatient, and more than 120 ASCs are licensed in Colorado.