Opinion ID: 2068788
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The OHFLC Report is covered by the peer review privilege.

Text: OCME contends that Superior Court erred when it determined that the OHFLC Report was privileged under Section 1768. OCME argues that the report was created at the direction of and provided to OHFLC, a state agency that surveys hospitals. As a result, OCME argues, the report was not prepared for the exclusive use of the peer review committee, and thus, was not privileged. DBHS responds that in order to show waiver, the discoverer must show that the records were used by or published to persons outside the specific review organization. [20] The privilege may be waived if the record is shown to or used by someone who is not a participant in the peer review process. [21] DBHS argues that OHFLC is itself a peer review organization. Section 1768 defines those who are considered to be a peer review organizationand thus participants in the peer review processas those whose function is the review of medical records, medical care and physicians work, with a view to the quality of care and utilization of hospital. . . facilities. [22] We agree that OHFLC is a peer review organization. OHFLC is a state agency that, pursuant to federal law, manages complaints and incidents at federally-certified Medicare agencies. [23] It investigates complaints and incidents at such facilities to determine if a problem exists that could have a negative impact on the healthcare services provided [and] prevent the escalation of these problems into a more serious situation that would threaten the health, safety and welfare of the individual receiving service. [24] OHFLC prioritizes complaints, and may order an off-site investigation conducted by the agency if it determines an on-site investigation by the OHFLC is not warranted. [25] If an agency fails to comply with an OHFLC-ordered investigation, it can lose its Medicare certification. [26] DBHS is a federally-certified Medicare agency. The OHFLC Report at issue here is an off-site investigation into Heverin's death ordered by OHFLC. Because OHFLC's function is the review of medical records, medical care, and physicians' work, with a view to quality of care and utilization of hospital . . . facilities[,] we agree with the Superior Court's conclusion that OHFLC is one of the peer review committees or organizations contemplated by Section 1768(a). Since OHFLC is a participant in the peer review process, DBHS's disclosure of the report to that agency did not waive the privilege provided by Section 1768.