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Use common sense in deciding reappointments

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, February 12, 2004

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Dear Credentialing Colleague:

This one beats them all. Today I received a call from a new vice president of medical affairs (VPMA) asking for advice about a physician who has reapplied for appointment and privileges to the staff. "We are attempting to reappoint a physician to the staff but are having trouble with his application," the VPMA said. "He has indicated that he wants to remain on the staff but has moved his practice to another state. His rational is that he might return someday and does not want to give up his appointment and privileges. He has never had a problem of any type, and we don't wish to deny his request, but he won't provide us with answers to a few questions on the reapplication. Does he have a right to be reappointed to the staff?"

The answer is: Absolutely not. Appointment to a medical staff is a privilege extended by the board of directors. It is not a permanent grant, it is not a property right, and it can only be extended if the practitioner fulfills all the requirements of the hospital and the medical staff.

This physician should be informed that he has a right to request a "leave of absence" for a specific reason. This request would then be considered by the medical executive committee and board, following the provisions of the applicable hospital policy or bylaws. If he is unwilling to request a leave of absence, he should simply be informed that since he has relocated his practice to another distant location he will not be eligible to have his reappointment request processed. He may always apply anew at a later date if his practice plans change. Such action would not trigger a hearing, appeal, report to the National Practitioner Data Bank, or any other official action.

When in doubt, use common sense. Physicians who do not practice in an area served by the hospital and have no obvious need for staff appointment for their patients should not be considered for continued membership simply because they demand such action.

That's it for today.

All the best,

Hugh Greeley

http://www.greeley.com/seminars/

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