Peer Review

What it is:
Peer Review is a process where nurses evaluate the practice of another nurse to ensure safe and competent care.

Why it matters:

• Maintains professional standards
• Protects patients
• Promotes accountability

Example:
If a nurse makes an error, a peer review committee may evaluate the situation and determine appropriate actions.

Types of Peer Review:

• Incident-based peer review: Triggered by a specific event or error
• Safe Harbor peer review: Occurs when a nurse invokes Safe Harbor

When Peer Review is required:

• When a nurse’s conduct may violate the Nursing Practice Act
• When patient safety may have been compromised
• When a nurse’s actions are questioned

Possible outcomes of Peer Review:

• No violation found
• Remedial education or training
• Practice restrictions
• Referral to the Texas Board of Nursing

Legal protection:

• Protects nurses from retaliation when participating in good faith
• Encourages honest evaluation of practice
• Ensures fair and confidential review process