profession
Illinois to provide more transparency of physician discipline
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 19, 2011
A new Illinois law will make it easier for individuals to get information about the status of a complaint against a physician or other health professional from the Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation.
The law amends the state's Medical Practice Act of 1987, obligating the department to release information about the status of a complaint or disciplinary review to any person who requests it (link). Under existing law, the department is required only to notify the complainant in writing of any final action relating to a complaint.
The new legislation also will require the agency's disciplinary board to notify the person who filed a complaint of the time and location of an upcoming hearing at least 14 days in advance. The measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2012, is an example of recent efforts by states to make the physician disciplinary process more transparent to the public.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/prbf1219.htm.