The good news is that professional practice evaluation programs are becoming more meaningful and relevant and, as a result, they are having more positive effects on quality of care. However, this evolution also presents challenges to organizations, whose traditional approaches may no longer support these programs. Thus, more find it necessary to modify their approaches so they provide staff support to the medical staff organization. The medical staff must ensure that support staff members have expertise in clinical quality improvement. Consider the following support staff strategies.

To maximize your hospital’s immunity protections, make certain your fair hearing process incorporates state law requirements and Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (HCQIA) procedures, says Michael Callahan, JD, senior partner in the Health Care Practice Group Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Chicago.

Proctoring/FPPE is necessary to determine competency to exercise the clinical privileges granted to all new practitioners at your organization. This policy outlines the requirements of medical staff members for complying with FPPE and proctoring expectations.

The single most important thing a medical staff can do after a policy has been implemented is to stick to that policy. Consistent enforcement and documentation are the best ways to ensure the least amount of liability.

Consolidation. Integration. These words have become the way we see our profession evolving in the world of centralized verification organizations (CVO). No longer do medical staff professionals focus on their individual departmental roles and responsibilities. We now embrace the process of combining departments and functions into a single, more efficient way to onboard and credential providers seeking employment within a healthcare system.

Congratulations! You have been appointed to a medical staff leadership position at your organization. You have had contact with the medical staff services department (MSSD) over the years, but on some level, you realize that you are not quite sure how the whole thing works. It is imperative that you get it right because the MSSD can be your best supporter or your greatest opponent, depending on your approach. Failure to recognize what the MSSD does can result in a lack of collaboration, misunderstandings, and a misuse of valuable resources.

The Credentialing Resource Center (CRC) team is extending the deadline to enter the 2019 CRC Symposium Case Study Competition and the 2019 CRC Achievement Awards, two application-based contests showcasing excellence in the medical staff services and leadership fields.

For complete contest details and to enter the contests through our simple online process, visit https://credentialingresourcecenter.com/symposium/contests