PHYSICIANS: Provides with respect to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill requires the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to have a panel of three active physicians review complaints involving clinical decisions before they can escalate to formal disciplinary action. The review panel, which must consist of licensed doctors with no conflicts of interest, evaluates the evidence and provides written recommendations on whether a violation occurred or if further investigation is needed. While the panel's advice is not binding, the board must keep a confidential record of its reasons if it decides to ignore the panel's recommendation. The bill also mandates that the board create specific rules to govern how the panel operates, including procedures for member selection, recusal, and maintaining the confidentiality of all review materials.