What is a Hospital’s Medical Staff?

A hospital’s medical staff is responsible for overseeing patient care quality, establishing bylaws and policies, and ensuring high standards for all practitioners performing medical or surgical procedures within the hospital.

Medical Staff  includes licensed doctors of medicine (MDs) and osteopathy (DOs), along with other qualified practitioners as permitted by state law. These may include dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), physician assistants (PAs), psychologists, social workers, and optometrists.

California Business and Professions Code Section 2282(c) requires that “the medical staff shall be self-governing with respect to the professional work performed in the hospital; that the medical staff shall meet periodically and review and analyze at regular intervals their clinical experience; and the medical records of patients shall be the basis for such review...".

What is the Difference Between Medical Staff and Organized Medical Staff?

The medical staff refers to all healthcare professionals who are credentialed to provide medical care within a hospital or healthcare facility. This includes doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other licensed practitioners.

The organized medical staff, on the other hand, is a structured body within the hospital that operates under bylaws and regulations. It typically has elected leadership and committees responsible for overseeing medical care quality, credentialing, and professional standards. The organized medical staff serves as a liaison between healthcare providers and the hospital’s governing body, ensuring accountability and adherence to policies.