Hospitals Use Leave-of-Absence Tactics to Sidestep Peer Review, Study Warns

Event summary

  • The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons published an article on March 10, 2026, detailing how hospitals use leave-of-absence tactics to remove physicians.
  • Dr. Lawrence R. Huntoon warns that these tactics often involve coercion and deception, leading physicians to believe a leave won't damage their NPDB record.
  • A leave of absence is treated as a resignation under investigation, which is immediately reportable to the NPDB.
  • Dr. Huntoon suggests physicians take a vacation instead, as it is not reportable if privileges are not restricted.

The big picture

The tactic highlights a broader trend of hospitals using administrative processes to bypass traditional peer review, raising concerns about due process and fairness. This strategy could escalate as hospitals face pressure to manage physician performance and costs. The involvement of the NPDB adds a regulatory layer that could shape future governance practices in healthcare.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
How hospitals will respond to increased scrutiny over peer review processes and physician removals.
Regulatory Headwinds
Whether the NPDB will tighten reporting requirements to prevent misuse of leave-of-absence tactics.
Legal Precedents
The pace at which legal challenges emerge from physicians affected by these tactics.