It is not a violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 131E-117(5) for medical records to be disclosed to a private peer review committee if:

(1)        The peer review committee has been approved by the Department;

(2)        The purposes of the peer review committee are to:

a.         Survey facilities to verify a high level of quality care through evaluation and peer assistance;

b.         Resolve written complaints in a responsible and professional manner; and

c.         Develop a basic core of knowledge and standards useful in establishing a means of measuring quality of care; and

(3)        The peer review committee keeps such records confidential. (1979, c. 707; 1983, c. 775, s. 1; 1997-456, s. 27.)