CA AB1235

Establishes that peer review bodies must respond to requests from other peer review bodies for records concerning licentiates under review, with costs borne by the requesting body, and specifies these records are protected from discovery and used solely for peer review purposes.

Prohibits medical or professional staff members from being required to alter or surrender privileges or membership solely due to contract termination with a health care facility, except for exclusive service contracts.

Requires hearing officers in peer review proceedings to be California-licensed attorneys (except for dental professional society proceedings), disclose conflicts of interest, and grants them authority to determine hearing procedures and make evidentiary rulings.

Grants both parties the right to be represented by an attorney, but prohibits peer review body representation if the licensee provides written notice at least 15 days before the hearing that they elect not to be represented.

Encourages peer review bodies to obtain external peer review from impartial practitioners with necessary expertise when committee reviews are unclear, expertise is unavailable internally, or impartiality is needed.