Take meaningful meeting minutes

Minutes must be recorded accurately and must cover the topics discussed and any conclusions that were reached. Minutes should be succinct; summarize the important content of the discussions, outlining major points of the presentation and discussion; and correctly report all conclusions, recommendations or follow-up, as applicable. Most medical staff committees are required to report to one or more additional committee(s). For example, the credentials committee reports its recommendations to the MEC. This is often done by forwarding the committee meeting minutes to the additional committees.

Taking minutes can be a challenge. They should not be a verbatim account of routine discussions, but when they are required for hearings, appeals, and certain other situations, such as a fair hearing process, a verbatim transcript may be required.

MSPs who are new to the task of minute-taking should read past minutes of the various committee meetings and correspondence (if available) to familiarize themselves with terminology, issues, and subsequent actions or follow-up. This can also help them understand how follow-up communications are handled between and among committees.

It can be very helpful to get to know the committee members—some are great summarizers who always wrap up the discussion in a succinct manner, for example.

Source: The Medical Staff Office Manual

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