Hospital privileges allow doctors to practice at a particular hospital. When those privileges are suspended or revoked, the physician is not able to admit patients or practice medicine within the facility. It can be devastating to a doctor’s career to have their privileges suspended or revoked.
If your hospital privileges are under threat, you need to speak with an attorney. At The Callahan Law Firm, our hospital privileges defense attorneys regularly represent doctors who are at risk of having their privileges revoked or suspended. Our legal team knows the severity of these consequences and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Contact our office at (312) 209-9394 to discuss your case with an attorney.
What Are Hospital Privileges?
In order to practice out of and admit patients a physician must have privileges at the hospital. Privileges are an authorization given by the hospital that allows a doctor to practice medicine and treat patients in their facility. A doctor or physician must have privileges at every hospital where they practice or treat patients.
Privileges may be suspended or revoked by the hospital for many reasons. If you receive notice that your hospital privileges are under threat, you need to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and will work to get you back on track. It is important to note that hospital privileges and credentials are two separate things. You must first show that you have the proper credentials before you will receive privileges at any given hospital.
What Are the Different Types of Hospital Privileges?
There are three basic types of hospital privileges. Once you receive privileges at a hospital, it is vital to make sure that you are not practicing outside of your privileges, or they may be revoked.
Types of hospital privileges:
- Admitting privileges - When a doctor or physician is granted admitting privileges, they are able to admit and treat patients.
- Courtesy privileges - Courtesy privileges authorize a doctor or other practitioner to admit patients but not necessarily treat them.
- Surgical privileges - Surgical privileges allow for a physician to perform outpatient surgeries and book an operating room.
Privileges are usually granted by a board at the hospital. The board will require you to show the proper credentials before you receive privileges.
Why Are Hospital Privileges Revoked?
Just as the board may award privileges to a physician, they may also revoke or suspend those privileges. Hospital privileges may be revoked for a number of reasons. If you have been notified that your hospital privileges are under review, you need to speak with an attorney.
Reasons a hospital may revoke a doctor’s privileges include but are not limited to:
- Failing to follow hospital rules and procedures
- Unethical behavior
- Creating a hostile work environment
- Incompetence
- Violating a rule or regulation
- Loss of your medical license
While a hospital may revoke or suspend your privileges, they generally need a reason. You will, under most circumstances, be entitled to some sort of a hearing prior to the suspension. At this hearing, you can plead your case.
Contact Our Office for Additional Information
To learn more about hospital credentialing and privileges, contact our office at (312) 209-9394 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our attorneys will guide you through the process, helping you to protect your assets and your career.
