Approved by Curley L. Bonds, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Reviewed and Approved by Clinical Policy Committee on March 6, 2024
I. PURPOSE
To establish an effective peer review process of mental health services delivered by psychiatrists in the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH/Department).
II. DEFINITION
Peer Review:A formal evaluation process of psychiatrists' practices by like psychiatrists, usually within the same geographic area, licensure, or mental health specialty with charts selected at random on an ongoing basis to review data trends.
III. POLICY
A Psychiatrist Peer Review process shall be established to:
Monitor and improve quality of care;
Promote conformity in contemporary practices within standard and acceptable guidelines; and
Better consolidate and institutionalize Department protocols.
The Psychiatrist Peer Review shall:
Enhance client care;
Foster greater physician education; and
Minimize legal ramifications.
The proposed principles for this process include:
Provides an opportunity for learning
Matches peers that have similar levels of training
