Elizabeth A. Snelson

President, Legal Counsel for the Medical Staff PLLC

Elizabeth Snelson works for medical staffs and medical societies across the country. Medical staff bylaws are a primary focus of her practice. She also handles "disruptive practitioner" procedures, peer review problems, and other compliance matters.

A frequent speaker on medical staff legal issues, Elizabeth Snelson presents at medical staff leadership retreats and serves as an expert witness in credentialing and Data Bank cases.She is Past President of the American Society of Medical Association Counsel, and past Vice President of the ABA's Physician Issues Interest Group. She was a member of the Joint Commission's Task Force on medical staff bylaws. Her articles on medical staff legal issues have appeared in various publications. She is the author of The Physicians Guide to Medical Staff Organization Bylaws, published by the American Medical Association.



Problems with Aging Physicians

Practicing medicine is not like other jobs that have a tradition of retirement at age 65. Physician shortages fuel support for physicians seeking to continue their careers indefinitely. Patient safety is paramount, but is it served by applying an age limit to medical staff membership and clinical privileges?

National Practitioner Data Bank Expanded Reporting Parameters

Hospitals must file a National Practitioner Data Bank report on any physician’s surrender of privileges if an investigation is underway. This has always been a Data Bank reporting requirement, intended to discourage plea bargains which allowed physicians to avoid being reported if they agreed to waive hearing rights. Under the new Guidebook, expanded descriptions of "investigation" and "surrender" stretch what is to be considered a reportable surrender of privileges.

Problems with Aging Physicians

Practicing medicine is not like other jobs that have a tradition of retirement at age 65. Physician shortages fuel support for physicians seeking to continue their careers indefinitely. Patient safety is paramount, but is it served by applying an age limit to medical staff membership and clinical privileges?

Problems with Aging Physicians

Practicing medicine is not like other jobs that have a tradition of retirement at age 65. Physician shortages fuel support for physicians seeking to continue their careers indefinitely. Patient safety is paramount, but is it served by applying an age limit to medical staff membership and clinical privileges?