What is Kaiser Arbitration?

Members of Kaiser health care plans are typically required to arbitrate medical malpractice claims against Kaiser. In these cases, an attorney submits a demand for arbitration to the Office of the Independent Administrator (OIA), which manages the Kaiser arbitration process. Hearings may vary in format but often involve a single impartial arbitrator who reviews the evidence and makes a decision. Both parties present their evidence, either in person or via virtual platforms such as Zoom or Teams, and the arbitrator usually issues a decision within several weeks following the hearing. Attorneys express differing views about the arbitration process; some raise concerns regarding arbitrator qualifications while others consider arbitration an efficient alternative to jury trials. 

Individuals with questions about potential claims should consult an attorney with a successful track record in Kaiser cases. The arbitration process includes both benefits and drawbacks, and Kaiser often settles valid claims before arbitration hearings occur.