04 Consultations

(A)  Consultation requirements.

When a patient care problem is identified that requires intervention during the hospital stay that is outside the medical staff member's area of training and experience, it is the responsibility of the medical staff member or his or her designee (with appropriate credentials) to obtain consultation by the appropriate specialist. The consultation may be ordered by the responsible medical practitioner, a member of the limited staff, or another licensed healthcare professional with appropriate clinical privileges as designated in these rules and regulations. If a consultation is ordered prior to 10:00 a.m., the consult shall occur on the same business day. If a consultation is ordered after 10:00 a.m., the consult shall occur within twenty-four hours. Each patient is continuously assessed and his or her plan for care if modified as necessary.

(B)  Responsibility to monitor consultations.

It is the duty of the medical staff, through its clinical section chief and the medical staff administrative committee, to assure that members of the staff comply in the matter of requesting consultations as needed.

(C)  Consultation contents.

A satisfactory consultation shall be rendered within one day of the request and shall include examination of the patient, examination of the medical record, and a written opinion signed by the consultant that is made a part of such record. If operative procedures are involved, the consultation note, except in an emergency, shall be recorded prior to the operation.

(Board approval dates: 11/4/2005, 7/7/2006, 2/6/2009, 9/18/2009, 4/8/2011, 4/6/2016)