Sec. 08.20.185. - Peer review committee; confidentiality. - Alaska Statutes

(a) In addition to peer review authorized under AS 08.01.075 , the board may establish a peer review committee to review complaints concerning the reasonableness or appropriateness of care provided, fees charged, or costs for services rendered by a licensee to a patient. A review conducted by a peer review committee under this section may be utilized by the board in considering disciplinary action against a licensee but the results or recommendations of a peer review committee are not binding upon the board. A member of a peer review committee established under this section who in good faith submits a report under this section or participates in an investigation or judicial proceeding related to a report submitted under this section is immune from civil liability for the submission or participation.

(b) The board shall charge a complainant a fee, established under AS 08.01.065 , for peer review under this section.

(c) Patient records presented to a peer review committee for review under this section that were confidential before their presentation to the committee are confidential to the committee members and to the board members and are not subject to inspection or copying under AS 40.25.110 - 40.25.125. A committee member or board member to whom confidential records are presented under this subsection shall maintain the confidentiality of the records. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.