Physician and Patient Safety Act

Fair hospital hearings for physicians

If enacted, this bill would require the HHS Secretary to issue final rules guaranteeing physicians with hospital medical staff privileges a fair hearing and an appellate review before their privileges or professional activity are limited or ended. The rules would forbid hospitals or third-party contractors from denying hearings or forcing physicians to waive those rights as a job condition. Hearings and appeals would be confidential and not reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank or future employers, unless there is an ongoing threat to patient safety or reporting is required by law. The final regulations would have to take effect within 18 months after enactment.