An Indian-born, American-trained surgeon who is facing possible manslaughter charges in Australia, and nicknamed "Dr Death" has sparked calls for an overhaul of health regulations and a review of malpractice suits in his U.S. home state of Oregon.
According to the Health authorities in Oregon, tougher powers to force U.S. medical groups that employ doctors to compulsorily disclose malpractice suits are being sought following the inquiry into former Queensland surgeon Jayant Patel.
It is alleged he contributed to the deaths of at least 13 patients during his two years at Bundaberg Hospital.
The inquiry into his activities in Queensland will report at the end of this month.
Queensland police are preparing evidence for the Director of Public Prosecutions while the state's medical board has been conducting its own investigations.
Dr Patel, who fled Australia after his surgical performance was questioned in the Queensland parliament, is also facing further disciplinary action in Oregon.
He has refused to cooperate with both the Queensland and Oregon authorities.
A review of malpractice suits, in Oregon dating back more than a decade, is being considered after revelations Dr Patel was the subject of at least eight confidential legal actions, involving the deaths of four patients, before he was ultimately disciplined and later sought work in Australia.
Two of the cases led to payouts of $US1.8 million each.
Kathleen Haley, the executive director of the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners has reportedly said that she wants tougher laws to force medical groups to disclose malpractice suits so that authorities can monitor the medical outcomes of doctors.