BILL NUMBER: SB 58	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Aanestad

                        JANUARY 20, 2009

   An act to add Section 805.3 to the Business and Professions Code,
relating to physicians and surgeons.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 58, as introduced, Aanestad. Physicians and surgeons: peer
review.
   Existing law provides for the professional review of specified
healing arts licentiates through a peer review process. Existing law,
the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation
of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California.
   This bill require the board to conduct a pilot program to redesign
the peer review process applicable to physicians and surgeons based
on recommendations made in a specified report. The bill would state
the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would
establish guidelines for the board to follow in conducting that pilot
program.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 805.3 is added to the Business and Professions
Code, to read:
   805.3.  (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (1) A legislatively mandated report released in July 2008,
"Comprehensive Study of Peer Review in California: Final Report,"
highlighted variations among health care entities in conducting,
selecting, and applying criteria for peer review of physicians and
surgeons.
   (2) The report indicated that the peer review process fails in its
purpose to ensure the quality and safety of medical care in
California.
   (3) In light of these serious patient safety concerns, an overhaul
of the peer review process applicable to physicians and surgeons is
necessary.
   (b) The Medical Board of California shall conduct a pilot program
to redesign the peer review process, as it applies to physicians and
surgeons, based on the recommendations made in the report identified
in subdivision (a).
   (c) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that
would establish guidelines for the Medical Board of California to
follow in conducting the pilot program described in subdivision (b).