Meyers v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.

Meyers v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.,   No. 01-6217,  01-6190 (6th Cir. Aug. 20, 2003)

A physician denied reappointment sued, claiming, among other things, that the
committee did not provide appropriate notice, that the committee was not formed
of peers, and that the peers who were on the committee were his competitors.
The hospital responded by claiming that the notice fell within the “safe
harbor” afforded by the HCQIA and that the hospital actions were protected
by the Act. The hospital argued that the committees were properly formed. The
hospital went on to file a counterclaim, stating that the suit was frivolous,
and therefore the hospital was due court costs and attorney fees.

The court held that the hospital was protected by the HCQIA
since its actions were based on a “reasonable belief that the action was
in furtherance of quality health care.” The notice complied with the “safe
harbor” of HCQIA. The court also held that the physician had been given
a fair hearing with ample opportunity to defend his actions. However, since
the physician raised legitimate concerns, the action was not frivolous and therefore
the hospital was not due costs and fees.