Another doctor cites unlawful termination of hospital privileges

Another former medical staff of the public hospital, Dr. Gary Ramsey, is alleging wrongful termination of his medical privilege at the Commonwealth Health Center and is threatening to seek injunctive relief in federal court if he fails to get a favorable outcome from the Office of the Attorney General.
Sources disclosed that Ramsey, through his lawyer, Stephen Woodruff, formally appealed to Attorney General Joey San Nicolas in January this year, seeking damages for injuries he suffered as a result of the issue.

Ramsey, sources disclosed, first applied for medical privilege in November 2009. Despite a committee recommendation in December 2009 to approve his application, the then-management of the Department of Public Health refused to issue an approval letter for Ramsey, depriving him of his right to the privilege. Under the policy, the governing body is obliged within 90 days to either accept the recommendation of the medical executive committee or refer it back for future consideration, stating the reasons for the decision. This was allegedly not accorded Ramsey.

Saipan Tribune learned that Ramsey’s medical privilege was finally recognized after two years—in 2011—when the privilege was confirmed by the then-CEO of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. It took an additional eight months for the doctor to actually secure a job, using the alleged wrongfully delayed privilege.

Because of this, sources said, Ramsey is seeking over $500,000 in damages for violations of his constitutional rights.

Saipan Tribune found out that the physician is also accusing the current corporation management of “illegal termination of privileges” when this was stopped in 2013.

Ramsey’s medical privilege at CHC is valid until Jan. 1, 2014. However, he was surprised to be informed on Oct. 4, 2013, during a visit to the hospital, that he was no longer allowed in the medical records department because his medical privileges had expired.

Ramsey also found out later that his privilege was not only terminated but his application for renewal was not acted upon by both the committee and the governing body. Despite his demand of a hearing on this adverse action, it was learned that the physician was not accorded a hearing.

Saipan Tribune learned that the physician is seeking a response from the OAG within 90 days after the issue was brought to its attention last Jan. 31.

San Nicolas has yet to respond to Saipan Tribune’s inquiries as of yesterday.

Medical privilege allows a physician to use the treatment facilities of the public hospital for their surgeries and operation. Losing this privilege, doctors—whether in public or private clinics— cannot operate or provide services to their clients.

Saipan Tribune learned that Ramsey, a former employee at CHCC, currently works at the Pacific Fertility Institute.