§34-24-57. Report of malpractice judgments and settlements - Review; ground for suspension or revocation of license, etc.; notification; failure to comply.

(a) The Board of Medical Examiners shall keep a record of all reports made under the provisions of Section 34-24-56, and each year shall review the record of any licensee, certificate holder, or person holding similar authority issued by it, who, during the preceding three-year period, has had two or more final judgments or settlements, or has had a total of three or more final judgments or settlements, or both, of the type required to be reported pursuant to this section.

(b) The review required by subsection (a) shall be for the purpose of determining whether the agency should take disciplinary action against the person.

(c) It shall be a ground for the suspension or revocation of a license, certificate, or other similar authority for the licensee, certificate holder, or person holding similar authority to have the number of final judgments or settlements, or both, referred to in subsection (a); except, that the Board of Examiners shall examine each settlement to determine if there was error, omission, or negligence by the licensee, certificate holder, or person holding similar authority. If the board determines there was no error, omission, or negligence, the settlement shall not be considered for the purpose of this section.

(d) The Board of Medical Examiners shall notify every person licensed, certified, or holding similar authority issued by it of the provisions of this article. The notification shall be by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.

(e) After receiving the notification required by this section, each person who fails to comply with this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Acts 1971, No. 2321, p. 3744, §2; Act 2005-297, 1st Sp. Sess., p. 556, §1.)