Peer review hearings play an integral role in the credentialing and professional review process conducted by healthcare entities in the United States. They are designed to allow the governing boards of hospitals and other healthcare entities to play the critical role of deciding who may practice medicine in their facilities or organization. The very nature of such a hearing, and how it might affect both the practitioner and the entity, requires a very careful plan to make sure that everyone's rights are protected during the process. We believe the Peer Review Hearing Guidebook will assist attorneys and others in the healthcare industry plan and deliver that fair hearing process.

Health Lawyers wants to express its tremendous gratitude to Al Adelman, Esquire, and Ann O'Connell, Esquire, for not only serving as editors for this new publication, but also as authors of the guidebook, along with their contributors Michael Cassidy, Esquire, Patricia Hofstra, Esquire, and Steven Schnier, Esquire.

Coverage in this new publication includes a discussion of:

• The applicable laws
• A step-by-step road map for implementation of a successful peer review hearing process
• The need for proper preparation and the important role of Medical Staff Bylaws
• Answers to questions such as who is entitled to a hearing, and what effect does summary action by the entity have on the process
• Using an attorney as the hearing officer, and choosing a hearing officer
• The selection of and role played by the hearing committee
• Pre-hearing discovery, various evidentiary standards of proof, the importance of a hearing record, and the conduct of the actual hearing
• The role of a hearing officer, and preparation of the final report for the Governing Committee of the facility

And that's not all—also included are useful sample documents in the appendices: a Fair Hearing and Appellate Review Plan, an investigation report, letters to the affected practitioners, and a Hearing Officer checklist for use by the parties involved, and more. These are included on the CD-ROM so you can customize them for use with your clients. Health Lawyers commends the Peer Review Hearing Guidebook to all involved with healthcare entities that of necessity are involved with the peer review process.

For more information or to order, call (800) 533-1637 or visit www.healthlawyers.org/bookstore. For information concerning the Peer Review Hearing Officer Training Program please visit our registration page.