Patient Right to Know Act

2001 "Patient Right to Know Act" Highlights

Physician Profiling:

  • Composite State Board of Medical Examiners required to establish physician profile on the web (www.gamedicalboard.com) and otherwise available to any person who requests it.
  • Prospective only: Only actions taken after the effective date of the Act will be placed on the profile.
  • Ten year time frame: Only actions taken within the most recent 10-year period will be placed on the profile. Actions older than 10 years will not be considered.
  • The Profile will include:
    1. Core information related to medical school, graduate medical education, specialty, board certification, number of years in practice, primary practice location, current hospital privileges, availability of translating services and whether the physician participates in Medicaid.
    2. Criminal Convictions: Felonies only.
    3. Restrictions on Hospital Staff Privileges: Final revocation, final restriction of staff privileges. Must be related to character or competency of the physician. No restrictions or denials based on economic or other factors.
    4. Malpractice Awards:
      • Final medical malpractice judgments greater than $100,000.
      • Settlements:
        • Greater than $300,000 or;
        • 3 settlements in 10-year period with one greater than $100,000 or;
        • 4 settlements in a 10-year period.
    5. Board Actions: Final public Board actions unless two private actions within 10-year period.
    6. Physician may comment (up to 100 words) on any matter on the profile.

Ancillary Provisions

  • Explanation of Charges: Physician must provide patient upon request with estimated charges for routine services or procedures. MAG inserted language affirming physician under no duty to ascertain or explain patients insurance coverage.
  • Posting of Notice: Physicians must post in their office the following notice:

    • "The patient has the right to file a grievance with the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners concerning the physician, staff, office and treatment received. The patient should either call the Board with such complaint or send a written complaint to the Board. The patient should be able to provide the physician or practice name, the address and the specific nature of the complaint."

    The notice must also include the current phone number and address of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners:

    State Composite Board of Medical Examiners
    Attn: Complaints Unit
    No. 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 10th Floor
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    404.656.3913

    This notice must be prominently displayed in the physician's waiting room in an area that is not obstructed and can easily be viewed by patients. The notice must be displayed in a sign that is 8.5 x 11 inches in type that is no smaller than 24 point Times New Roman print in black on white background. It may be contained in the same notice as the right to obtain physician profiles.