|
VCUHS Medical Staff Health Committee
The VCUHS Medical Staff Health Committee provides education and awareness
of mental and physical impairments as well as a mechanism to address
concerns regarding potential mental or physical impairment of a
practitioner in a timely, effective, and confidential manner. The
Committee is comprised of physicians within the Health System as well as
representatives from Human Resources, GME, and Employee Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who established the Medical Staff Health Committee and why? The
Medical Staff Health Committee was established by the MCV Hospitals Medical
Staff Executive Committee to create a mechanism to address concerns
regarding possible impairment in an effective, confidential manner that
protects patients as well as practitioners. The VCUHS Medical Staff
Impairment Policy, approved by the Medical Staff Executive Committee,
guides the investigation and evaluation process.
- Which employees and practitioners are covered by the Medical Staff
Impairment Policy? The policy applies to any practitioner who is privileged
or credentialed by the VCU Health System.
- What is impairment? Impairment is any physical or mental disability
that substantially alters the ability of a practitioner to practice his or
her profession with safety to his/her patients and the public.
- What do you do if you suspect a member of the Medical Staff of being
impaired? During the period of Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., call
or page either Dr. Ron Clark, Chief Medical Officer (828-4654), Employee
Health (828-0584) or Human Resources Employee Relations Office (628-9433)
for assistance. If the impairment is noted after these hours, page the
clinical administrator for assistance on pager 6105. The appropriate
division and/or department chair will be notified and a small team of
individuals will be called to quickly assess the concern and determine what
steps are needed to resolve the matter in a timely, safe, and confidential
manner. If the team determines that there is a reasonable chance that the
practitioner is impaired or that substance use/abuse exists, the individual
will be placed on administrative leave until a thorough assessment is
completed. Concerns regarding potential impairment may also be relayed via
a confidential hotline at 828-2200.
- What happens after a report is made to the Medical Staff Health
Committee? As noted above, the concern will be investigated by members of
the Medical Staff Health Committee. If the concern is validated, the
Committee will make recommendations for referral for further assessment and
treatment as appropriate to the circumstances. If the practitioner refuses
to accept the recommendation offered, further action, including possible
withdrawal of privileges, will be considered.
- If a report is made to the Medical Staff Health Committee, does it
automatically get reported to the Board of Health Professions? No, only
confirmed positive drug or alcohol tests, or admissions for substance abuse
or mental health treatment where the individual or others could be at risk
for harm requires mandatory Board reporting. In all other cases, the
Committee will base the decision to report on the provisions of Virginia
Code ¤54.1-2906-9.
- Who do I contact if I have questions? Referrals may be made to the
Medical Staff Health Committee by addressing written correspondence to:
Medical Staff Health Committee, Box 980510, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0510
or by calling the MSHC hotline at 828-2200.
|
