that it strictly follows its process every time it engages in peer review. These protections, however, are not absolute, and individuals are free to file lawsuits with only a nominal filing fee. Even if a defendant is ultimately successful, the defense of a lawsuit can be costly and burdensome. n
Andrea Schwab, JD, CPA, is an assistant general counsel in the Office of the General Counsel at the Texas Medi- cal Association.
References 1. In re Living Centers of Texas, Inc., 175 S.W.3d 253 (Texas 2005).
2. Texas Occupations Code § 151.002. 3. Texas Occupations Code § 151.002(a) (7).
4. Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986, 42 USC § 11111 et. seq.; Medical Practice Act, Texas Occupations Code § 160.001 et. seq.; Texas Health & Safety
Code §161.033 and § 161.023.
5. Texas Occupations Code § 160.007; Texas Occupations Code § 151.002; In re Higby, 324 S.W.3d 740 (Texas App.- Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet. denied).
6. Texas Occupations Code § 151.002(a) (5).
7. Texas Occupations Code § 151.002(a) (8).
8. Senate Bill 7, 82nd Legislature, 1st Spec. Sess. (Texas 2011).
9. Id. at § 4.06. 10. Id. at § 4.01 (adding § 848.110, Title 6, Insurance Code).
11. Family Med.-U.T. v. Ramirez, 855 S.W.2d 200, 202-03 (Texas App.-Corpus Chris- ti 1993), overruled on other grounds, Mem’l Hosp.-The Woodlands v. Mc- Cown, 927 S.W.2d 1 (Texas 1996) (orig. proceeding).
12. Texas Occupations Code § 160.007. 13. In re Living Centers of Texas, Inc., 175 S.W.3d at 258.
14. In re Higby, 324 S.W.3d 740 (Texas App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet. de- nied).
15. See Texas Occupations Code § 160.010; Texas Health & Safety Code §161.033 and § 161.023. See also Health Care Quality Improvement Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11137 (c) and § 11111(a).
16. Texas Occupations Code § 160.010(b) (emphasis added).
17. Texas Occupations Code § 160.010 (c) (emphasis added).
18. 42 U.S.C. § 11137(c) and § 11111(a).
Meeting Saturday & Sunday November 12-13 AT&T Executive
Annual Scientific
Education & Conference Center
Austin, Texas
Gain insight into recent medical advances View the top selections of clinical and research poster entries
Analyze the newest evidence-based treatment and management of common medical problems facing internists
Network with Texas chapter members Meet friends and former colleagues
Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend.
Jointly sponsored with Scott & White. For a brochure or registration information, visit
www.txacp.org or call the chapter business office at 512.370.1508.
Visit
www.txacp.org to register. 1/2 H October 2011 TEXAS MEDICINE 61
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