Hospitals must file a National Practitioner Data Bank report on any physician's surrender of privileges if an investigation is underway. This has always been a Data Bank reporting requirement, intended to Hospitals must file a National Practitioner Data Bank report on any physician's surrender of privileges if an investigation is underway. This has always been a Data Bank reporting requirement, intended to discourage plea bargains which allowed physicians to avoid being reported if they agreed to waive hearing rights.
Problems caused by professional misconduct range from patient care jeopardized by victimized providers to liability for harassment in this era of #MeToo.
Practicing medicine is not like other jobs that have a tradition of retirement at age 65. Physician shortages fuel support for physicians seeking to continue their careers indefinitely. Patient safety is paramount, but is it served by applying an age limit to medical staff membership and clinical privileges?
Elizabeth A. Snelson
