1. Describe the role of the governing board in a healthcare facility. Include the relationship of the board to the medical staff and to the chief executive officer (administrator). Does this structure appear to be an effective one?
2. What is the purpose of medical staff bylaws? Is a hospital required to have bylaws and, if so, who requires it?
3. Discuss the governance structure of the medical staff, including the committees that typically govern a medical staff.
4. What is meant by “medical staff credentialing” and why is it done?
5. Discuss the process for joining a medical staff. What must occur for an organization to ensure they are admitting a qualified individual to their staff?
6. Once someone is admitted to a medical staff, what duties and/or rights does this person have?
7. If disciplinary actions must be taken against a medical staff member, how does the legal concept of due process come into play?
Expert Solution Preview
1. The role of the governing board in a healthcare facility is to oversee the overall operation of the facility and ensure that it meets its goals and objectives. The board is responsible for making strategic decisions regarding the facility’s finances, management, and policies. The board also appoints the chief executive officer (CEO) who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the facility. The relationship between the board and the medical staff is one of collaboration and partnership. The medical staff provides clinical expertise and advises the board on matters relating to patient care. The CEO acts as the bridge between the board and the medical staff, ensuring that their interests are aligned. This structure can be effective if there is open communication and collaboration between all parties involved.
2. Medical staff bylaws are a set of rules and regulations governing the practices of the medical staff within a healthcare facility. Bylaws outline the responsibilities and obligations of medical staff members, as well as the procedures for appointing and removing staff. Hospitals are required to have bylaws as a condition of participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Joint Commission also requires hospitals to have bylaws as part of its accreditation process.
3. The governance structure of the medical staff typically includes a medical executive committee (MEC) and various medical staff committees. The MEC is responsible for overseeing the operations of the medical staff and ensuring that the staff is providing quality patient care. Medical staff committees, such as the credentials committee and the peer review committee, are responsible for evaluating the qualifications of medical staff members and ensuring that they are meeting the standards set by the facility.
4. Medical staff credentialing is the process of verifying a physician’s qualifications and experience to perform certain medical procedures or treatments. This process typically involves reviewing the physician’s education, training, and experience, as well as verifying their licenses and certifications. Credentialing is done to ensure that only qualified physicians are providing patient care within the facility and to prevent malpractice claims.
5. The process for joining a medical staff typically involves submitting an application and supporting documents, such as a resume, licenses, and certifications. The facility will then verify the applicant’s qualifications through the credentialing process. To ensure that they are admitting a qualified individual to their staff, the facility will also check the applicant’s references, malpractice history, and any past disciplinary actions.
6. Once someone is admitted to a medical staff, they have the duty to provide quality patient care and to adhere to the facility’s bylaws and policies. They also have the right to participate in the decision-making process of the medical staff and to receive fair and impartial treatment.
7. If disciplinary actions must be taken against a medical staff member, the legal concept of due process requires that the member be given notice of the charges against them and an opportunity to respond. The medical staff member has the right to a hearing before an impartial committee, and the decision can be appealed if necessary. Due process ensures that disciplinary actions are fair and consistent and protects the rights of the medical staff member.
