As a reminder, the new Joint Commission Standard MS.01.01.01 takes effect on March 31, 2011. Hospitals that have not already initiated the revision process to ensure compliance with the new Standard should promptly do so.
The Joint Commission announced its approval of revisions to MS.01.01.01 (formerly known as MS.1.20) on March 18, 2010. As part of its announcement, the Joint Commission explained that MS.01.01.01 is intended to address both Medical Staff self-governance, as well as the collaborative effort among the Medical Staff, Administration and Governing body necessary to achieve patient safety and quality care.
The revisions to MS.01.01.01 will in most instances require revisions to a Hospital’s Medical Staff Bylaws. The Joint Commission notes that properly drafted Medical Staff Bylaws are an important element in achieving the collaboration contemplated by MS.01.01.01. The Bylaws address the Medical Staff’s organizational responsibilities and outline how the Medical Staff and Governing Board will work together. A failure to incorporate any necessary revisions to the Medical Staff Bylaws by the March 31 deadline may take a Hospital out of accreditation compliance.
Should you have any questions regarding standard MS.01.01.01 or anything contained in the article, please contact:
- James B. Hogan (jhogan@wp.hallrender.com or317.977.1439;
- Christopher C. Eades (ceades@wp.hallrender.com or 317.977.1460;
- Brian C. Betner (bbetner@wp.hallrender.com or317.977.1466; or
- Your regular Hall Render attorney.
