Rules & Regs: Original language kept for call coverage
04 Feb 2018Read Article IX section highlighted for change
The Bylaws Review Committee posted revisions to the Rules and Regulations via Common Ground on Sept. 3, 2017. (Proposed changes are posted for 30 days for review before being finalized.) The addition to Article IX, Part B, Section 1 regarding the Emergency Department Backup Requirements stated, “Sections which include four or more active staff members are responsible for providing continuous call coverage for their Emergency call roster.”
The committee added this to align with our current practice and community need. After receiving feedback about this addition from members of our medical staff, the committee consulted with attorneys regarding how it relates to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Joint Commission standards. Attorneys included Salem Health legal counsel Keith Bauer, our national consultant and senior attorney with Horty Springer Barbara Blackmond, and Kristy McIntosh, Accreditation Manager.
They agreed that while this practice is not mandated, it aligns with industry standards and best practice.
The committee is therefore recommending we keep the originally proposed language in Section 1, with further clarification, and provide language in subsequent Section 4C that will allow variation to this requirement that can be solicited by individual medical staff sections for review by the Medical Executive Council.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Clark McDonald, Chair of the Bylaws Review Committee at Clark.McDonald@salemhealth.org.
