The Florida Department of Health will begin posting pending complaints against health care professionals online, according to an internal department memo, the Miami Herald reports.
In addition, residents who use the Medical Quality Assistance Web site will be alerted to the pending complaints.
Background
The Florida Public Interest Research Group had been pushing for all complaints filed against health care professionals to be made public. However, the Florida Medical Association and other professional organizations argued that publicizing some complaints, such as those stemming from billing disputes, could unfairly hurt the reputation of a physician or practice.
The Florida Legislature agreed to keep complaints private during the investigative phase. However, once enough evidence to bring a complaint to the next level -- a "probable cause panel" by the appropriate medical board -- has been obtained, the complaint becomes public record after 10 days.
Making Information More Accessible
Despite the Legislature's move to make such complaints public, finding up-to-date information had been difficult, according to the Herald.
Lucy Gee, director of the Medical Quality Assurance division, sent an internal memo on April 1 to DOH officials announcing the new online project.
The department already has conducted a pilot project and plans to launch the new online health care professional complaint site April 9 (Gentry, Miami Herald, 4/2).