Robert Wise, MD, JCAHO, Vice President of Standards, Division of Research
The Joint Commission was formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Joint Commission Standard MS.2.6 requires hospital medical staffs to implement a process to identify and manage matters of individual physician health that is separate from the medical staff disciplinary function. To “manage matters” the standard has established “mechanisms” that each medical staff needs to include in their “process design.”
Delegation to the Colorado Physician Health Program (CPHP) satisfies the criteria for hospitals meeting this standard. CPHP is comprised of experienced experts on physician health issues and is best qualified to provide the services necessary to address identified physician “illness” and “impairment.”
CPHP provides services in all of areas outlined in the standard with additional related services that are believed to benefit the physician, patients and the physician’s workplace.
CPHP provides confidential services in all areas required in the standard:
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation
- Treatment planning and referral
- Treatment monitoring and support
- Assessment of ability to practice safely
- Consultation to hospitals administrators, medical executive committees and medical staff offices
Educational presentations on physician health and related issues
- Documentation of health status necessary for hospital credentialing
- Neutrality, objectivity and confidentiality in the context of working with hospitals, the Colorado Medical Board, organizations, practice groups, families and other systems.