The “Nova Scotia Health Authority Medical Staff By-laws,” established under the Health Authorities Act, provide a framework for the governance of medical staff within the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA). These by-laws define key terms, outline organizational structures, and establish processes for the appointment and privileging of medical staff, ensuring that all procedures adhere to principles of fairness and due process.

The primary purposes of these by-laws include outlining the medical staff structure, detailing appointment categories and associated privileges; governing medical staff rules by establishing clear processes for appointment, reappointment, and issue resolution; ensuring quality assurance through clinical criteria for overseeing medical staff activities; and addressing the relationships between medical staff and the NSHA. The by-laws are applicable to all NSHA services and govern all medical staff members, as well as health professionals contracted by the NSHA, specifying conditions for their privileges and services.

Medical staff are categorized into various groups based on their roles and responsibilities, including probationary, active with admitting privileges, active without admitting privileges, community, locum tenens, assistant, and affiliated staff. Each category is determined based on the individual’s qualifications and roles within the NSHA.

Appointment to the medical staff requires adherence to specific criteria. Individuals granted privileges are authorized to admit patients and provide various services, with their responsibilities and limitations defined by their employment terms and the NSHA’s rules. The by-laws stipulate that only those with appropriate privileges may discharge patients from NSHA facilities.

The governance structure incorporates several committees that play essential roles in oversight and decision-making. Notably, the NSHA Medical Advisory Committee (NSHA-MAC) assists with medical staff appointments and governance processes. The by-laws empower the Board to recommend amendments after consulting with the NSHA-MAC, thereby promoting collaborative governance.

To ensure procedural fairness, the by-laws include provisions for appeals against decisions made by the Hearing Committee. An Appeal Panel, established by the Board, is authorized to review these cases, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fairness. Additionally, the by-laws outline a facilitated mediation process to effectively resolve disputes among medical staff.

By clearly defining roles, establishing governance structures, and ensuring fair treatment and quality assurance processes, these by-laws intend to support both medical professionals and the patients they serve.

Nova Scotia (89/2023) June 2, 2023