In a lawsuit, depositions occur during the process of discovery, when all parties have the opportunity to review information pertinent to the case. A deposition consists of a witness’s sworn statement before trial. Like obtaining documents from the opposing party, a deposition is another method for learning more about the case. Because depositions are given under oath and therefore presumed to be factual, their purpose is to disclose witness testimony prior to trial so that both sides may prepare for it. Depositions also allow parties to identify which testimony will benefit the case and which will harm it.
A deposition typically takes place in an attorney’s office. The attorney asks the witness questions while a court reporter records and later transcribes the encounter to create a written record of it.

To see more medical staff related terms and definitions, visit the CRC Encyclopedia.

When developing or fine-tuning a focused professional practice evaluation (FPPE) process, consider adopting a common reporting form that allows all proctors to share their observations in a standardized manner. Such forms also help to ensure that each proctor comments on all pertinent elements in case management. Some medical staffs create separate forms—one to report observations from a procedural encounter and another to report on observations regarding a cognitive encounter. This free resource is a sample proctor reporting form related to cognitive privileges.

HCPro is currently seeking speakers to present at the 2020 Credentialing Resource Center Symposium, to be held April 20-21 in New Orleans. We seek speakers to present on all aspects of credentialing, privileging, and medical staff functions across any healthcare setting. Please click this link to apply: https://app.keysurvey.com/f/1418095/8b5b/

Calling all provider enrollment specialists and professionals—We want to hear from you! Join us for a focus group call on Thursday, August 29 at 1pm ET to discuss the 2020 National Provider Enrollment Forum. Whether you're a past attendee or new to the provider enrollment field, we want to know what you're most interested in learning about, what challenges you're currently facing, and how we can best meet your provider enrollment needs at the 2020 Forum. As a thank you for participating in the focus group, all callers will recieve a complimentary webinar. Email Associate Editor Karla Accorto at kaccorto@hcpro.com for more information or to RSVP.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established the Conditions of Participation (CoP), which are the absolute minimum set of requirements that all hospitals must meet to participate in federal payment programs. CoP s require that there be an organized medical staff that operates under bylaws approved by the governing body and is responsible for quality of care. There is no guidance as to how the medical staff should organize itself; this is left for the organization to decide.