The American Board of Physician Specialties® Encourages Hospital Groups and Other Healthcare Providers to Periodically Update their Bylaws

Updating BylawsAt the American Board of Physician Specialties, we believe that it is in the best interest of hospital groups and other healthcare organizations to routinely review and update their bylaws, hiring practices, and other protocols to ensure that they remain up-to-date and relevant. The healthcare industry has seen significant change in recent years, and it is in your best interest to ensure that your practice has clearly defined bylaws that effectively govern its operational affairs.

One of the challenges that many healthcare organizations run into is that they are governed by outdated bylaws that were written by leaders, attorneys, or board members who have long-since retired or who are fiercely protective of the language they previously wrote. That’s why many organizations have established review committees that review bylaws periodically to identify inaccurate or vague language, sections that are no longer relevant in today’s healthcare industry, and other potential problem areas within the text. In many instances, these fresh eyes have found ways to greatly improve the organizational structure of a healthcare facility by solving problems that stakeholders didn’t know existed. Plus, updating bylaws is a proactive way to prevent problems before they arise – problems that could otherwise mean contract disputes, employee dissatisfaction, and even lawsuits.

Perhaps one of the most important reasons that healthcare groups should review their bylaws every several years is to ensure that they are equipped to recruit the most competitive candidates for positions within their organization. Hiring practices that may have worked well several decades ago, for instance, may no longer be relevant in today’s competitive marketplace, and without a willingness to amend bylaws, the healthcare group might be handcuffed with who they can recruit. Of particular importance to the ABPS is that certifying organizations and hospital groups recognize that there are three multi-specialty physician certifying groups in the nation, and we are committed to ensuring that our Diplomates receive equal opportunity as their peers. When bylaws are written too narrowly, they may incidentally exclude highly qualified physician leaders to the detriment of the patients in your community.

We understand that the top priority of any healthcare organization is to provide exceptional care to its patients, and dedicating the time it takes to sufficiently review and amend bylaws can be cumbersome. However this investment can pay dividends in the long run in ensuring you have the best staff possible. To learn more about the ABPS, our Diplomates, and our various member organizations, contact us today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc®.

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine