The article by James A. Cowan, M.D. which appeared in Perspective on Jan. 24, 1986, contains a serious misstatement of the law of Illinois and does a disservice to the medical profession. Chapter 111 1/2, Section 151.2 of the Illinois Revised Statutes clearly gives an individual who is a member, agent or employee of a hospital, hospital medical staff, hospital administrative staff or hospital governing board immunity from civil damages resulting from that person`s participation in peer review activities. The immunity is not conditioned on good faith or any other standard. Dr. Cowan`s statement needlessly alarms physicians and discourages peer review participation when, in fact, absolute protection is afforded by the laws of Illinois.
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