Profession
North Carolina to post medical liability judgments online
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 2, 2008
North Carolina physicians are protesting a proposal by the state medical board to include medical liability judgments and settlements in doctor profiles published on the board's Web site.
The information, which dates back seven years, would not include payment amounts. Doctors also could post an explanation. The North Carolina Medical Board said the proposed rule is aimed at helping patients make more informed health care decisions.
But North Carolina Medical Society officials said the data would paint an incomplete picture of physician quality and confuse patients.
Doctors recommended that the board only profile cases that resulted in negligent care or in which the board took action against the physician.
The medical board is accepting public comments until June 30. If approved, the rule is expected to take effect in 2009.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/06/02/prbf0602.htm.