Professional Standards Review Organizations — Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Professional Standards Review Organizations were established by PL 92–603. Development of this new system will proceed slowly, since it Involves fundamental changes in attitudes of providers, and in administration. Physicians are offered important opportunities to solve many problems that will arise in the implementation of the law. Although the basic structure of the system has been defined, some difficult decisions will be necessary, including the establishment of areas, description of norms, selection of hardware cost control, confidentiality of records, and changing relations of various medical organizations. The ultimate justification for Professional Standards Review Organizations should be improvement in quality of medical care. (N Engl J Med 289:291–295, 1973)