Bylaws are rules and a framework adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the management of its affairs. In general, bylaws should outline the administrative structure of the medical staff, how high-level decisions will be made in the organization, core due process rights of members, and the mechanism for adoption and amendment of governing documents. As noted throughout this book, medical staffs that must comply with Joint Commission standards will require much more detailed bylaws than staffs accredited by other entities.

Back in December 2017, CVS Health announced its intentions to buy out Aetna insurance for $69 billion. More recently, according to Forbes, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has put forth a second request for information regarding the merger. However, it has yet to be determined whether the DOJ will try stopping the venture by means of legal action, as the U.S.

There is good protection for individuals who engage in peer review activities, including proctors, and one type of protection comes in the form of legal immunity from damages. This immunity is provided under federal law—the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (HCQIA)—and it is often reinforced by similar state statutes. However, although these statutes can prevent monetary damage judgments against participants in legitimate peer review, they cannot keep lawsuits from being filed.

The steps of an intervention with a physician who has been regularly preforming poorly will vary depending on the circumstances. However, there are some common guidelines to keep in mind.

Published 2/27/18

This case highlights how an entire organization (i.e., board, medical staff leadership, CEO, attorney) was unclear about the employment/contract route versus the medical staff privileging process. Whether it was lack of knowledge or purposeful, the outcome was not good as evidenced by the jury’s verdict and the deleterious impact upon a physician's career.

Published 2/26/18

Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

In a recent publication, “Antibiotic Use in the United States, 2017: Progress and Opportunities,” the CDC reported that roughly 30% of hospital antibiotics are prescribed incorrectly or are entirely unnecessary. However, on average, antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings decreased by 5% from 2011 to 2014.

CRC members can peruse all the online articles from the February 2018 issues of Credentialing Resource Center Journal and Medical Staff Briefing.

The Credentialing Resource Center (CRC) team would like to thank everyone who made the 2018 CRC Symposium a resounding success.

Writing books/columns and speaking on webinars and at seminars are great ways to share your industry knowledge with peers. With the guidance of a solid publishing company, you’ll see your thoughts and tips become beacons to others in your field. We’re always looking for new authors, speakers, and reviewers. For more than 20 years, HCPro has been a leading provider of integrated healthcare information, education, training, and consulting products. Among HCPro’s need-to-know information products are a vast array of books, newsletters, websites, annual webinars, and annual live events.