Tip: Tailor hearings and appeals to APPs
Hospitals should allow advanced practice professionals (APP) the right to dispute any action that revokes, suspends, terminates, restricts, or reduces the clinical privileges that they’ve been granted, unless the action corresponds to the privileges of an entire APP classification.
Organizations must consider bylaws that relate to APP hearings and appeals carefully, including any differences in the process for practitioners who are members of the medical staff and those who are not members, but who have privileges to practice in the facility. Among organizations that don’t grant APPs medical staff membership, some provide the same right of hearing and appeal to APPs as to physician members, while others choose a less extensive process.
Consider the following factors when making this determination:
- Will the outcome be reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank? If the answer is yes, the hearing must meet the requirements stated in the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986. Most likely, the APP would receive the same hearing and appeal rights as members of the medical staff.
- Are there state-specific laws or regulations affecting the right to a hearing and appeal?
Carefully weigh and discuss these factors with the hospital’s legal counsel to determine the best course.