Why the double standard?
Credentialing Resource Center Connection, October 8, 2003
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Dear Credentialing Colleague:
When James Jones, RN, is hired by Memorial Medical Center as a critical care nurse, he is ecstatic. Now, at last, he will be able to fulfill his dream of helping patients. Within a few weeks, he will begin to provide care to some of the sickest patients in the hospital. He will most likely work the night shift and report to Ms. Iverson, a registered nurse with significant clinical experience and skill.
Prior to beginning his job, Jim's qualifications were carefully verified, and he was required to participate in an extensive interview. He was also required to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test, Hepatitis screening, various vaccinations, and a criminal background check. Each of these steps was taken to protect Jim, his patients, and the reputation of the hospital. The hospital requires these measures, as do the JCAHO and the state health department.
At almost the same time, Jim's sister Dr. Jennifer Jones is appointed to the staff with as a hospitalist. The hospital grants her privileges to provide clinical services in the critical care and other units. Dr. Jones' credentials were carefully verified. But interestingly, she was not required to have an interview, Hepatitis screening, or criminal background check. The hospital will rely upon her attestation that she has never been convicted of a crime.
Why the double standard, why the inconsistency, and why the differing policies? It is not because Jim poses a greater risk to patients. Both he and his sister will be integrally involved in providing hands-on care to patients, perhaps even the same patients on the same day. It is not because Jim is more likely to have been a criminal. Nor is it more likely that Jim could contract Hepatitis C and place himself and the hospital at legal risk.
No, it is not because of any of the above situations that Jennifer was allowed to practice while her brother was poked and prodded prior to employment. It is because Jennifer is a physician and Jim is not.
I invite all of you to consider this statement for a few moments. Is this apparent double standard warranted?
That's all for this week.
All the best,
Hugh Greeley
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