Malpractice Settlement Data Could Go Online in North Carolina

The North Carolina Medical Board is considering a plan to post information on medical malpractice lawsuit settlements on its Web site beginning in 2009. The information on the settlements would contain the physician's name, when the case was settled and an optional box where physicians can provide details on the reasons for the settlement. Settlements from the previous seven years would be included as part of physician profiles that the board publishes online. The Web site would not contain information on the dollar amount of the settlement. The proposed rule for disclosing the settlements online will remain open for public comment until June 30. Doctors groups in North Carolina have voiced opposition to posting malpractice settlement information online with one organization noting that many malpractice settlements are a business decision and not necessarily an admission of guilt from physicians. Physician groups are also of the opinion that a listing on malpractice settlements should include how much the suing attorney made in the settlement and how often the plaintiff has filed malpractice suits.