Michael Callahan, a partner in the firm’s Health Care Practice, was quoted in an article in Medical Staff Briefing on addressing the legal issues created by a merger of medical staffs. Mr. Callahan says that both staffs should use the same set of bylaws. “At some point, you want the same application, the same appointment/reappointment process, and the same standards to apply to everyone,” he says. “Creating different standards can result in legal liability and confusion.” He also notes that existing exclusive contracts will have to be reconsidered as well. “What typically happens is that the doctors at the merged hospital have the opportunity to join the group that is contracted with the system, or the contract with the hospital being acquired is terminated,” he says. (“What to do when medical staffs join forces after a merger or acquisition,” September 2010)
Chicago
