SB 396 Summary

• Changes terminology from "quality review" to "peer review" for accountancy oversight, effective July 1, 2012, with quality review references treated as peer review after that date.

• Permits peer review ratings of "fail" to be used as grounds for disciplining certified public accountants and accounting firms after June 30, 2012.

• Clarifies that board complaints to the attorney general do not prohibit the state board of accountancy from taking other disciplinary actions permitted by law.

• Requires licensees to return client records to clients within 45 days of request, with exceptions for incomplete work or unpaid fees.

• Provides civil immunity to entities administering peer review programs and peer review committee members acting in good faith within the scope of their duties.