Introduction

April Grand Rounds – Revisiting References: How to Get and Give Meaningful References

April 5, 2022 - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (ET)

Please join us for April’s installment of Grand Rounds, where we will revisit a topic that’s an “oldie” but “goodie”:  Giving and Getting References.

This topic is, without a doubt, the one that garners the most questions, comments, and feedback from our audiences whenever we speak about it.  So many physician leaders are passionate about making sure a colleague with “problems” does not move on unscathed (at least, reputationally).  But concerns abound.  What can we say?  Are we going to be sued?  What’s the right way forward?

During this one-hour audio conference, we will discuss some of the infamous lawsuits involving practitioner references gone (allegedly) wrong and, more importantly, discuss strategies that hospitals and physician leaders can use to ensure that they are making the most of references during credentialing, throughout the term of appointment and privileges, and beyond.  Specific topics to be covered include:

  • Should hospitals request references as part of the credentialing process? How many?  From whom?
  • What should we ask on affiliation verification forms? Is it enough to ask if the practitioner is in good standing on the relevant medical staff?
  • What if a reference does not respond?
  • Red flags on references: What they look like – and what to do about them
  • Who should – and should not – give references for the hospital and medical staff?
  • When you can – and cannot – rely on an authorization and release to freely give a reference that includes negative information
  • The difference between personal references and organizational references
  • Options for responding to reference requests (including tips on phrasing)
  • Special considerations when sharing practitioner health information
  • Giving references after the hospital has changed hands. Can you (should you) include information from practitioner files that were created prior to the sale?

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:

  • Develop credentialing policies and processes that maximize the changes the organization will obtain meaningful information about applicants during the reference verification process
  • Articulate the risks (legal and practical) of providing incomplete or misleading references, particularly when the organization has had some history with the subject
  • Develop a reference response policy that protects the organization from legal risk, while promoting the giving of frank and forthcoming information about practitioners

 

Education Credit

Instructions on how to obtain your Continuing Education certificate for audio conferences will be e-mailed to the contact person for your organization at the conclusion of this audio conference.

Category 1 CME

Joint Provider Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and HortySpringer Seminars.  The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.  The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NAMSS Continuing Education Credit

This course has been approved for National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) continuing education credit and NAMSS hereby awards 1.0 NAMSS continuing education credits for participation in this activity.  Accreditation of this educational content in no way implies endorsement or sponsorship by NAMSS.

HortySpringer Audio Conference Disclaimer

The information presented during an audio conference and any supplementary materials provided to registrants are intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing contained therein is to be considered as the rendering of legal advice for specific cases or circumstances.

No one should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information presented during an audio conference without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer practicing as permitted by applicable laws, regulations or rules of professional conduct. No attorney-client relationship is formed by registration for an audio conference or the use of the supplementary materials.

About Grand Rounds

Designed for even the busiest hospital and medical staff leaders, registration for the year-long series is a quick and inexpensive way for Medical Staff Officers, members of the Medical Executive Committee, Department Chairs, Chairs of the Credentials and Peer Review Committees, and the Chairs of other key Medical Staff committees to have access to the most up-to-date health care information at their fingertips while obtaining valuable CME credits as well.

  • The audio conference series consists of twelve audio conferences spread over the course of the year (one AC/month)
  • Each audio conference is offered the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
  • Registration includes an MP3 containing the audio conference at no additional charge following each conference.
  • CME credit issued for live conference participation only.

Registration

To help your staff and medical professionals adhere to social distancing guidelines, we will waive the extra line fee for up to 3 additional lines so others in your organization are able to safely listen from their home or office.

Audio Conferences/Grand Rounds Registration: $250 and includes:

      • 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™*
      • 1.0 NAMSS continuing education credit*
      • One MP3 recording to share with your staff throughout the year.
      • Three phones lines. You may purchase additional lines for $50/line, per audio conference.

Can’t make the live audio conference? No problem! We offer single MP3 recordings for $250/each (Separate MP3 purchase does not qualify for CME credits. CMEs will only be given for live participation the day of the AC).

*Not all audio conferences will be approved for continuing medical education credits.

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