Fighting back! Combating economic credentialing

• The medical staff of the Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, was successful in electing four community members to the board after a physician was thrown off by the hospital administration.

  The medical staff formed a "Good Governance Committee" quickly after the hospital administration expelled a cardiologist from the board for a reported conflict of interest. The Committee worked diligently and in January was successful in bringing four board candidates forward and winning seats for each.

  The medical staff secured legal counsel and its own parliamentarian to achieve this victory. While there will be struggles ahead, the medical staff demonstrated the power of solidarity and proactive leadership.

• The Carroll County General Hospital Board of Westminister, Maryland, rescinded its controversial "citizenship" policy. The citizenship policy revoked the admitting privileges of any staff physicians with a financial interest in a competing entity within 15 miles.

  The AMA contributed resources and support to the medical staff to help combat this abusive conflict of interest policy. After months of inaction, the board rescinded its policy in January. The medical staff and the board continue to address other troubling amendments made to the medical staff bylaws.