Ch. 17, § 7. Medical Staff

(a) The facility shall have a medical staff that includes at least one (1) physician, and may also include one (1) or more mid-level practitioners, who: (i) Examines the credentials of candidates for medical staff membership and makes recommendations to the governing body on the appointment of candidates; and (ii) Adopts a collaborative plan containing the following, and enforces the collaborative plan after approval by the governing body: (A) A statement of the duties and privileges of each category of medical staff (e.g., physician and mid-level practitioner); and (B) A requirement that a physical examination be made and medical history taken of a patient by a member of the medical staff no more than twenty-four (24) hours after the patient's admission to the facility. (b) A physician on staff shall: (i) Provide medical direction to the facility's health care activities and consultation for non-physician health care providers; (ii) In conjunction with the mid-level practitioner staff members, participate in developing, executing, and periodically reviewing the facility's written policies and the services provided to patients. (iii) Review and sign the records of each patient admitted and treated by a mid- level practitioner no later than fifteen (15) days after the patient's discharge from the facility; (iv) Provide health care services to the patients in the facility, whenever needed and requested; (v) Prepare guidelines for the medical management of health problems, including conditions requiring medical consultation and/or patient referral; and (vi) At intervals no more than two (2) weeks apart, be physically present in the facility for a sufficient time to provide medical direction, medical care services, and staff consultation required by the collaborative agreement; (A) When not present, either be available through direct telecommunication for consultation and assistance with medical emergencies, and patient referral, or ensure that another physician is available for this purpose. (B) However, the physical site visit for a given two (2) week period is not required if, during that period, no inpatients have been treated in the facility. (c) A mid-level practitioner on staff shall: (i) Participate in the development, execution, and periodic review of the guidelines and written policies governing the services furnished by the facility; (ii) Participate in a review of each patient's health records in accordance with facility policy; (iii) Provide health care services to patients according to the facility's policies; (iv) Arrange for, or refer patients to needed services that are not provided at the facility; and (v) Assure that adequate patient health records are maintained and transferred as necessary.