Ask the expert: How should we address the composition of the credentials committee in our medical staff bylaws?

Below is some sample bylaws language that explains the composition of the credentials committee:

Membership of the medical staff credentials committee shall consist of at least five members of the active medical staff who are experienced leaders. The president of the medical staff will appoint the chair and other members. Members will be appointed for three-year terms with the initial terms staggered such that approximately one-third of the members will be appointed each year. The chair will be appointed for a three-year term. The chair and members may be reappointed for additional terms without limit. Any member, including the chair, may be relieved of his or her committee membership by a two-thirds vote of the medical executive committee. The committee may also invite ex-officio members, such as representatives from hospital administration and the board.

This week’s question and answer are excerpted from The Greeley Guide to Medical Staff Bylaws, Second Edition, by Joseph D. Cooper, MD, CMSL.