Sample bylaws language for an application request procedure

A hospital may require an application to submit a written request or complete a pre-application, although many medical staffs have discontinued the use of pre-applications. Regardless of whether a practitioner must fill out a pre-application or a full application, if he or she is ineligible for privileges, this is an ineligibility, not a denial. Therefore it is not reportable to the National Practitioner Data Bank.

Sample bylaws language: Application request procedure

All requests for applications for appointment to the [Hospital name] medical staff and requests for clinical privileges will be forwarded to the medical staff services department (MSSD). On receipt of the request, the MSSD will provide the applicant with an application package, which will include a complete set or overview of the medical staff bylaws or a reference to an electronic source for this information. This package will enumerate the eligibility requirements for medical staff membership, privileges, and performance expectations for individuals granted medical staff membership or privileges (if such expectations have been adopted by the medical staff).

If an applicant does not meet the board’s membership or privileging criteria outlined in the application’s cover letter, his or her application will not be processed and he or she will not be entitled to a fair hearing or any rights or due process provided under the medical staff bylaws.

--from The Guide to Medical Staff Bylaws, by Mary J. Hoppa, MD, MBA. Click here for more information or to order a copy.