Sec. 08.20.185. Utilization review committee; confidentiality.

228 words·~1 min read·/ak/title-8/chapter-20/08-20-185·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The board may establish a utilization review committee to review complaints concerning the reasonableness or appropriateness of care provided, fees charged, or costs for services rendered by a licensee to a patient. A review conducted by a utilization review committee under this section may be used by the board in considering disciplinary action against a licensee, but the results or recommendations of a utilization review committee are not binding on the board. A member of a utilization review committee established under this section who in good faith submits a report under this section or participates in an investigation or judicial proceeding related to a report submitted under this section is immune from civil liability for the submission or participation.

(b)The board shall charge a complainant a fee, established under AS 08.01.065 , for utilization review under this section.

(c)Patient records presented to a utilization review committee for review under this section that were confidential before their presentation to the committee are confidential to the committee members and to the board members and are not subject to inspection or copying under AS 40.25.110 - 40.25.125. A committee member or board member to whom confidential records are presented under this subsection shall maintain the confidentiality of the records. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.