SB 174 Summary

• Defines "accountable care organization" as a group of health care providers associated with a defined patient population that is accountable for quality and cost of care and shares in savings from improved quality and reduced costs.

• Exempts accountable care organizations from Indiana's corporate practice of medicine limitations, allowing them to employ physicians without violating unlawful practice of medicine statutes.

• Includes accountable care organizations in medical malpractice and peer review laws by adding them to definitions of "health care provider," "professional health care provider," and "professional staff."

• Allows peer review committees within accountable care organizations to operate under the same confidentiality and privilege protections as those in hospitals and other health care organizations.

• Effective upon passage with an emergency declaration.