Walker elated with CHCC board decision

Dr. Grant Walker was elated to learn yesterday of the decision of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. board to order the organization’s governing body to issue him a 90-day renewable medical privilege at the public hospital.
Walker, who is currently based in Idaho, is appreciative of the CHCC board’s action, saying the ruling had just cleared his name.

“I 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,” he told Saipan Tribune in a statement yesterday.

He added that, like other U.S. public hospitals, the “CHC had a board of trustees that has oversight and the final say in things.”

Prior to the board’s 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.

CHCC board chair Joaquin Torres confirmed that the board received the “demand letter” from Walker’s attorney last week. He did not elaborate on its content.

However, Torres said that the board’s action was taken not specifically to satisfy the demand letter but ultimately to resolve outstanding issues with Walker.

Walker was hired as the hospital’s orthopedic surgeon for 30 days in October last year. Prior to his contract’s expiration, his medical privilege was terminated due to allegations of unprofessional misconduct and insubordination. His initial plea to the corporation’s governing body to vacate the decision was denied.

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.

The board, Torres said, passed the resolution after finding out that Walker was not accorded the “due process” he deserves as an applicant for medical privilege.

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