TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution 401(A-07)
Subject: Hospital Policies and Quality of Care for Patients
Introduced by: Bee-Live Oak-McMullin County Medical Society
Referred to: Reference Committee on Socioeconomics
Whereas, The Texas Medical Association supports improvement in patient care through the use of fair and unbiased peer review; and
Whereas, "Sham peer review" and manipulation of the disruptive physician clause and the "Code of Conduct" in medical staff bylaws are recognized tactics utilized by some hospitals to silence physicians voicing concerns about hospital policies and quality of care issues ; and
Whereas, These tactics can have a negative impact on quality of patient care and the ability of physicians to advocate for the quality of care and access to care that their patients deserve; and
Whereas, These tactics have been used in hospitals in Texas and throughout the nation and can result in the unfair loss of a physician's career and livelihood; and
Whereas, When utilized at rural hospitals, these tactics can result in the loss of physicians to already underserved communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Texas Medical Association strongly condemn "sham peer review" and manipulation of medical staff bylaws by hospitals attempting to silence physician concerns for access to quality care at hospitals; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Medical Association aggressively advocate against "sham peer review," manipulation of medical staff bylaws and enforcement of such bylaws, and other tactics that chill or inhibit the ability of staff physicians to advocate for their patients.
Relevant TMA Policy
130.011 Medical Staffs : The need for continued community-based hospital care and the potential threat posed by the failure of governing and policymaking bodies to request, receive, and heed the advice and counsel of local medical staffs are causes for community and statewide concern. Medical staffs should foster cooperative and effective communication with their governing boards and should adopt bylaws that promote medical staff credentialing policies and procedures intended to assure a competent medical staff. Medical staffs should establish the capability to assist in resolution of conflicts between their members, hospital administration, and governing boards (Council on Socioeconomics, p 180, I-94; reaffirmed CHSO Rep. 2-A-05).
TMA House of Delegates: TexMed 2007