STANDARD OF CARE CASES

I have found a large increase in the number of complaints regarding the standard of care. It appears to me that the vast majority of the complaints opened do lead to full investigations. According to staff that I have discussed this with, the Board wants the Board consultants to review each complaint. I understand the rationale, but I believe it can be done better. The Board does employ nurse investigators and should, in my opinion, give them great discretion to evaluate some of these initial complaints. Some of these initial complaints should be screened in cases where the standard of care is met, based on both the medical records and supporting information, to ensure it does not rise to the level of a full investigation. This would be a win for both the Board and the doctor. The doctor would not have to bare the stress and expense of an investigation. The Board would not waste its resources and time on an investigation its own staff knows is within the standard of care. There are many members of the staff that are well qualified, experienced and able to do this. Moreover, all closures are reviewed by the Board members, so this will balance this process. This would be a win-win.