Dr. Grant Walker was elated to learn yesterday of the decision of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. board to order the organization\u2019s governing body to issue him a 90-day renewable medical privilege at the public hospital.
\nWalker, who is currently based in Idaho, is appreciative of the CHCC board\u2019s action, saying the ruling had just cleared his name.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thank the board of trustees for clearing my name and I look forward to coming back to the CNMI as soon as possible and setting up a long-term stable practice of high quality orthopedic surgery for the citizens of the CNMI,\u201d he told Saipan Tribune in a statement yesterday.<\/p>\n
He added that, like other U.S. public hospitals, the \u201cCHC had a board of trustees that has oversight and the final say in things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prior to the board\u2019s decision on Wednesday, Saipan Tribune learned that Walker had appealed to the board through his lawyer, Vic Torres, asking that he be granted due process.<\/p>\n
CHCC board chair Joaquin Torres confirmed that the board received the \u201cdemand letter\u201d from Walker\u2019s attorney last week. He did not elaborate on its content.<\/p>\n
However, Torres said that the board\u2019s action was taken not specifically to satisfy the demand letter but ultimately to resolve outstanding issues with Walker.<\/p>\n
Walker was hired as the hospital\u2019s orthopedic surgeon for 30 days in October last year. Prior to his contract\u2019s expiration, his medical privilege was terminated due to allegations of unprofessional misconduct and insubordination. His initial plea to the corporation\u2019s governing body to vacate the decision was denied.<\/p>\n
To be able to continue to practice in the CNMI, Walker later applied for medical privilege at the Commonwealth Health Center as a private practitioner. The application was turned in last November. Six months since, the credentialing committee has yet to make any decision on the application. Based on policy, credentialing should take no more than 90 days.<\/p>\n
The board, Torres said, passed the resolution after finding out that Walker was not accorded the \u201cdue process\u201d he deserves as an applicant for medical privilege.<\/p>\n
Medical privilege allows a physician to use the treatment facilities at the public hospital for their surgeries and operation. Losing this privilege, a doctor\u2014whether in public or private clinics\u2014 cannot operate or provide services to his clients.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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