Ask the expert: We would like to involve our medical staff in our regulatory process to be better prepared for surveys. However, as a large organization, we do not want to put more work on our division chiefs? full plates. Any suggestions?

One way to involve the medical staff in the regulatory readiness process and ensure that communication filters down to all divisions is to identify and assign a physician regulatory liaison for each division. MSPs, in collaboration with the chief medical officer or vice president of medical affairs, can host quarterly meetings with the regulatory liaisons to discuss and present updates on any standards as needed. Providing education and communication regarding regulatory standards, such as handoff communication, documentation requirements, universal protocol, and other significant standards that the medical staff members are involved with on a daily basis will help improve and maintain compliance.

This week’s question and answer are from The Medical Staff Professional’s Handbook by Anne Roberts, CPMSM, CPCS and Maggie Palmer, MSA, CPMSM, CPCS.