You need your professional license to run your health care practice. When someone files a complaint, the medical board has an obligation to investigate. However, you may feel reluctant to turn over medical records.
Doctor and patient confidentiality is an important aspect of your practice, and you may wish to protect your patients’ privacy. According to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, you need to hand over significant documentation during an investigation.
Who needs to view medical records?
Several different parties could review your medical records. At the beginning of the investigation, the medical board assigns an analyst to your case. This professional usually speaks to you about the situation and also gathers evidence. This evidence can take many forms, including medical records. Depending on the situation, you might need to hand over records for just one patient or for several.
Once the analyst has gone through these records, this official typically hands them over to a medical coordinator. The medical coordinator also looks through the documents under investigation. Sometimes, this professional may ask to see more records if additional evidence is necessary. Members of the medical board could also look through your records during the course of the investigation.
Who else examines medical records?
The Minnesota Legislature says that you have the right to appeal the medical board’s decision if they rule against you. During the appeal, another medical professional usually examines the records involved in the case. This physician is generally an outside party with no connection to the case.
During this entire process, you may worry about maintaining the privacy of your patients. You may need assistance to ensure that the medical review board examines only the records which pertain to the situation.