Hospital Duties and Physician Credentialing: Know Your Rights

Hospitals have a duty to know the experience level and ability of all staff, particularly specialists and physicians.

Hospitals have a duty to know the experience level and ability of all staff, particularly specialists and physicians. It is the duty of a hospital to make sure that a patient is receiving care consistent with their specific condition and circumstances. According to Oklahoma law, every hospital has a duty to exercise due care in credentialing physicians who practice there.

At Clark & Associates, we are experienced in handling cases and claims against hospitals who fail to properly make background checks or verify the credentials of physicians with a history of negligence.

Doctor Negligence and Hospital Liability

Doctors are generally not employees of the hospital. Therefore, physician credentialing, not hiring, is often the issue when it comes to hospital liability. When a hospital credentials a doctor to work in the hospital, the hospital could potentially be held liable for any medical negligence resulting in injury or death. Our firm is comprised of an experienced legal team, including a licensed nurse/attorney who can assist in reviewing standards of care, procedures, and hospital processes in credentialing doctors. As a victim of medical malpractice, you may be able to recover more from a negligent hospital than a negligent doctor.

We handle medical malpractice and negligence claims involving:

• Misdiagnosis
• Delayed Diagnosis of Cancer
• Birth Injuries
• Surgical Errors
• Dangerous Drugs
• Defective Medical Devices
• Emergency Rooms
• Nursing Malpractice

The Doctor-Hospital Relationship: Legal Complexities and Your Rights

The doctor-hospital relationship can be complex. Doctors need hospitals to provide a workplace for practice, and without doctors, hospitals could not perform the full range of services offered. Hospital-physician contracts are becoming extremely complex, especially given the economic conditions within the healthcare system itself. When this relationship is strained, patients can suffer. Our firm is experienced in investigating claims arising out of the hospital or doctor’s negligence.

We will contact witnesses, work with experts, and collect all necessary documentation to support your claim.