As a medical staff leader, it is important to understand that the days of a medical staff secretary in a medical staff office are history. It is true that in years past, the work was primarily clerical and secretarial. However, as healthcare has evolved and grown in complexity...
In the 16th century, Francis Bacon coined the phrase, “Knowledge is power.” For MSPs, this could not be truer. As the gatekeepers of patient safety, every piece of knowledge that MSPs hold is crucial. MSPs vet practitioners, slowly gathering bits and pieces of information, to ensure that only...
All hospitals/medical staffs need policies that address the issue of impaired practitioners, whether the condition is due to substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs), mental or physical impairment, or other behavioral issues. Medical staff bylaws are generally insufficient to deal with this issue...
We began this series talking about “tribes.” As physicians, we belong to a very exclusive and circumscribed club of clinicians who inherently distrust anyone not a member of that tribe. In the hospital setting, this often plays out as “us” (the medical staff) versus “them” (the hospital...
Ever since the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke in 2017, there’s been new (and well-deserved) attention placed on sexual harassment, and healthcare organizations are no exception. The industry is rife with examples.
A working relationship with law enforcement is key to the safety, efficacy, and well-being of everyone in the hospital: providers and patients. That said, hospitals and law enforcement have different goals. And while the two usually work well together, they can find themselves at odds.
State laws have established certain requirements for the licensing of healthcare practitioners and organizations. Beyond these exist various federal regulatory requirements, only some of which are tied to state or local law.
A front surface mirror is a special mirror where the reflective surface is above any backing. This is opposed to the conventional mirror where the reflective surface is behind another substrate such as glass or acrylic. Front surface mirrors are made for...
Credentialing has evolved from a clerical task to a profession that requires expertise in the interpretation of accrediting standards and state and federal regulations. Credentialing professionals have become the source of truth for medical executive committees, credentials committees, and...
Too often, physicians accept a medical staff leadership position without a thorough understanding of the actual requirements, skills, time, and abilities needed to be successful in their role. Clear expectations for leadership roles are important for encouraging medical staff members to...
