Guidelines for reviewing complaints against physicians

The Commissioner of Public Health, with advice and assistance from the board, shall establish guidelines as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 20-13a to 20-13e, inclusive. Not later than January 1, 2006, such guidelines shall include, but need not be limited to: (1) Guidelines for screening complaints received to determine which complaints will be investigated; (2) guidelines to provide a basis for prioritizing the order in which complaints will be investigated; (3) a system for conducting investigations to ensure prompt action when it appears necessary; (4) guidelines to determine when an investigation should be broadened beyond the scope of the initial complaint to include, but not be limited to, sampling patient records to identify patterns of care, reviewing office practices and procedures, and reviewing performance and discharge data from hospitals; and (5) guidelines to protect and ensure the confidentiality of patient and provider identifiable information when an investigation is broadened beyond the scope of the initial complaint. Such guidelines shall not be considered regulations, as defined in section 4-166.