MODEL MEDICAL STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT To encourage a culture of safety and quality , organized medical staffs are encouraged to adopt a Code of Conduct as part of their medical staff bylaws . The medical staff bylaws , of which this Code of Conduct is a part , shall be the exclusive means for review and disciplining medical staff members for inappropriate or disruptive behavior .
I . APPLICABLE DEFINITIONS :
“ Appropriate behavior ” means any reasonable co nduct to adv ocate for patients , to recommend improvements in patient care , to participate in the operations , leadership or activities of the organized medical staff , or to engage in professional practice including practice that may be in competition with the hospital . Appropriate behavior is not subject to discipline under these bylaws .
“ Disruptive behavior ” means any abusive conduct including sexual or other forms of harassment , or other forms of verbal or non-verbal conduct that harms or intimidates others to the extent that qualit y of care or patient safety could be compromised .
“ Harassment ” means conduct toward others based on their race , religion , ge nder , gender identity , sexual orientation , nationality or ethni city , which has the purpose or direct effect of unreasonabl y interfering with a person ’ s work performance or which creates an offensive , intimidating or otherwise hostile work environment .
“ Inappropriate behavior ” means conduct that is unw arranted and is reasonabl y interpreted to be demeaning or offensive . Persistent , repeated inappropriate behavior can become a form of harassment and thereby become disruptive , and subject to treatment as “ disruptive behavior .”
“ Sexual harassment ” means unwelcome sexual advances , requests for sexual favors , or verbal or physical activity through which submission to se xual advances is made an explicit or i mplicit condition of employment or future employ ment-related decisions ; unwelco me conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person ’ s work performance or which creates an offensive intimidating or otherwise hostile work environment .
“ Medical staff member ” means physicians and others granted membership on the Medical Staff and , for purposes of this Code , includes individuals with temporary clinical privileges .
II . TYPES OF CONDUCT
A . APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR Medical staff members cannot be subject to di |
scipline for appropriate behavior . Exam |
ples of |
appropriate behavior include , but are not limited to , the following : |
• Criticism communicated in a reasonable manner and offered in good fait h with the aim of improving patient care and safety ;
• Encouraging clear communication ;
• Expressions of concern about a patient ’ s care and safety ;
• Expressions of dissatisfaction with policies through appropriate grievance channels or other civil non-personal means of communication ;
• Use of cooperative approach to problem resolution ;
© 2008 American Medical Association . All rights reserved . Authors : Barney I . Cohen , Esq ., American Medical Association , and Elizabeth A . Snelson , Esq ., Legal Counsel for the Medical Staff , PLLC . This document may only be copied , modified , or disseminated for non-commercial purposes . It is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace or serve as legal advice . The laws of individual states will vary . Users with questions are encouraged to consult with a knowledgeable attorney . To get an electronic copy of this document or the Physician ’ s Guide to Medical Staff O rganization Bylaws or to learn h ow the Americ an Medical Association Organi zed Medical Staff Section can serve as a voice for your medical staff , visit www . ama-assn . org / go / omss or call ( 312 ) 464-4761 .