Ask the expert: Which individuals can recommend a bylaws amendment?

Most medical staffs have traditionally allowed any member to suggest or submit a proposed bylaws amendment. If a bylaws committee exists and meets regularly (as opposed to an ad hoc committee that meets every two years to thoroughly review and update the bylaws), that committee typically considers the amendment. The bylaws committee then makes a recommendation to the medical executive committee (MEC).

If the staff does not have a bylaws committee, the suggested change can go directly to the MEC for discussion. Some staffs require a positive vote by the MEC before an amendment goes to the entire medical staff for consideration. As written, the proposed Joint Commission MS.01.01.01 standard would not require amendments proposed by the organized medical staff to necessarily be vetted through the MEC. In either scenario, it is good practice for the MEC to communicate its view of the amendment proposal to the entire staff prior to any vote.

This week’s question and answer are excerpted from The Greeley Guide to Medical Staff Bylaws, Second Edition by Joseph D. Cooper, MD, CMSL—now available at a reduced price!