Walker turns in requirements; awaits committee’s decision

The orthopedic surgeon who wants to come back and continue practicing on island disclosed yesterday that he recently turned in a “complete packet” of requirements to the credentialing committee for review.
Idaho-based Dr. Grant Walker is applying for medical privilege at the Commonwealth Health Center. That will allow him to use the hospital’s equipment and facilities while in private practice.

“The credentialing package is complete. It is in the hands of the board. They are good people and I believe they will do the right thing. Hopefully, privilege will be granted soon and the board will help me rebuild a stable orthopedic surgery on Saipan,” Walker told Saipan Tribune in an email.
His plan is to work in the private sector but he has also offered to cover the hospital’s ER for orthopedic surgery.

Walker said that among the requirements provided to the credentialing committee was his “verified assets.” Now that all required documentations are in, “we have to let the [CHCC] board and the credential committee be comfortable with privileging first.”

The hospital’s governing body earlier terminated Walker’s medical privilege just as his contract with CHC was about to expire. He had asked the governing body to rescind its decision but this has not been acted upon, with the governing body saying it stands by its decision.

Yesterday, Walker said the “board has stepped up to the plate and seems to be giving me due process. I have every confidence in the board.”

CHCC board chair Joaquin Torres assured a “fair” process for Walker. He, however, pointed out that final decision rests with the credentials committee and the governing body.

The corporation’s governing body is composed of interim CEO Esther Muña, acting CFO Cora Ada, Medical Affairs director Dr. Sherleen Osman, and Dr. Norman Nakamura.

According to Walker, he first sent his application for medical privilege to the credential committee on Nov. 13, 2013.

The corporation’s governing board then came back to the doctor enumerating the requirements needed to process an application. The credential committee is tasked to review applications and make recommendations to the governing body.

The panel has to act on the application within 90 days, whether to accept or reject it. The decision will then be presented at the next regular meeting of the Medical Executive Committee.

The governing body can either accept the recommendation of the Medical Executive Committee or refer it back for further consideration.