Ask the expert: Should we address aging practitioners in our bylaws?

Yes. Below is some sample bylaws language you can adjust to fit your organization’s needs:

At the age of 65, practitioners shall complete an annual examination that addresses their physical and mental capacity to perform the privileges requested. The physical and mental exams are to be conducted by a physician who is deemed acceptable to the credentials committee and/or medical executive committee. The outcome should be documented on the approved form and submitted to the credentials committee and/or medical executive committee (MEC) by the date requested.

The physical exam is a “fitness-to-work” evaluation and must indicate that the practitioner has no physical or mental problem that may interfere with the safe and effective provision of care permitted under the privileges granted. In addition to the physical exam, a practitioner may be required to undergo proctoring of his or her clinical performance as part of the assessment of his or her capacity to perform the requested privileges. Such proctoring may be required in the absence of any previous performance concerns. The scope and duration of the proctoring shall be determined by the MEC on recommendation of the department chair and credentials committee.

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