Tip of the week: Don't over-define terms in your medical staff bylaws

Most medical staff bylaws contain a section labeled “definitions” that precisely defines many of the terms used within. In reality, few physicians are interested in exploring the detailed definition of the word “appointee” for example. When considering adopting this section, bylaws committees should, at minimum, refrain from creating a long and immaterial list of definitions. Any word used in the bylaws document that has a commonly accepted definition need not be further defined. In addition, words that are defined within the bylaws, such as “special notice,” need not be defined again in this section. Commonly known organizations, such as the National Practitioner Data Bank, also do not need to be defined in this area.

The medical staff may wish to omit the definitions section, but hospital legal counsel may be uncomfortable doing so. If it must be included, consider designing the section so that it does not add to the bureaucratic feel of the document. Instead of placing it at the beginning of the document, consider including it at the end.

This week’s tip is adapted from The Greeley Guide to Medical Staff Bylaws, Second Edition, by Joseph D. Cooper, MD, CMSL.