In a recent decision, the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal clarified the limits of the peer review privilege under La. R.S. 13:3715.3 in a malpractice case involving the death of a patient following treatment at a Louisiana hospital.
The phrase “Loose Lips Sink Ships” originated during World War II as a propaganda slogan to remind Americans to be discreet about military secrets and other confidential information. Careless talk could literally cost lives by aiding the enemy. While we may not be at war, the lesson endures, especially in healthcare, where a careless word can have serious consequences.
Question: Should we consult an attorney before removing a disruptive physician from the hospital’s medical staff?
Answer: Yes! You should absolutely consult an attorney before removing a disruptive physician from the medical staff. Removing a disruptive physician from a hospital’s medical staff is a serious decision that can have significant legal, regulatory, and reputational consequences. While it may be tempting to act swiftly to restore a safe and effective care environment for patients and hospital staff, failing to consult legal counsel beforehand can expose the hospital to unnecessary risks.
Question: Our medical staff bylaws are long overdue for revision. How long does it take to complete a medical staff bylaws revision project?
Answer: Revising medical staff bylaws is a comprehensive process that can vary in duration based on the institution’s size, complexity of the changes, governance structure, current medical staff bylaws, and regulatory requirements. Specific timelines are not universally established; however, the process generally involves several key steps and can take anywhere from six to eighteen months.
Donald Trump’s second term as President has facilitated an early onslaught of Executive Orders and administrative memoranda, especially regarding impactful changes to the nation’s immigration policies and enforcement. Notably, the Department of Homeland Security published a press release on January 21, 2025, effectively ending the Biden Administration’s guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).