Bill Improving Quality of Care and Patient Safety Signed into Law

Physicians to Hold Physicians Accountable

Photo: Reps McGihon and Kefalas with the Governor

DENVER – Governor Ritter signed House Bill 1075 into law today to help extend access to high quality health care throughout Colorado. The new law, sponsored by State Representative John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins) will allow ambulatory – or outpatient – surgical centers to create peer review committees.

In other words, it will allow physicians to keep other physicians accountable  to high standards of care. Such oversight is associated with improved quality of care and patient safety because it reduces physician errors and increases reporting standards. 

“This measure will pay huge dividends across the state,” said Rep. Kefalas.  “Most of the surgery performed in the state is outpatient. Modernizing the Colorado Peer Review Act is a simple, cost effective way to improve care.”

Eighty percent of all surgery is done on an outpatient basis and more than 120 ambulatory surgery centers are licensed in Colorado.  Unlike hospitals, current law does not permit peer review committees to oversee ambulatory surgery centers.   

Rep. Kefalas decided to sponsor the bill after visiting the Surgery Center of Fort Collins last summer. The new law will allow outpatient surgery facilities establish committees reviewing and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of patient care, as well as the conduct of attending physicians. 

“Peer review has a huge impact on the quality of care,” continued Kefalas.  “Let’s do what we can now to help all Coloradans get the very best care available.”

-- Posted by staff