TRS Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) Update Nov 2017

Thus far there is no confirmation that legislation which would allow hospitals to hire us directly will be introduced in the 2018 legislative session. However it does appear likely.

In Oct groups of our members along with our lobbyists Jim Schmidt and Melanie Bull met with two of our Representatives who we had heard were considering introducing CPOM legislation. Both meetings seemed to go well and hopefully will avert any intentions they may have had. Time will tell.

On Nov 1 we met with representatives of the TN Hospital Association at their request to discuss CPOM. They are and have been looking at introducing CPOM legislation. At least some of their membership would like the ability to hire radiologists as well as pathologists, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians directly even if they do not use this option. Our discussion centered on how it would be detrimental to hospitals in terms of cost, complexity, and time along with examples to confirm our reasoning. We also stressed that what is bad for the hospitals is also bad for us. The THA is our friend on most issues we face in the legislature. We hope their membership will take to heart the advantages our current non-employee relationship offers both sides and the disadvantages should we become their employees.

We should know THA’s intentions by mid Dec and will continue stress with them the advantages of our current non-employee relationship. Should our efforts to avert CPOM legislation fall short we need to be prepared to oppose the legislation with your calls and emails to your legislators and with your financial support. If you or your groups have not already contributed to TN Radiologists PAC please consider a contribution now. This issue can change Radiology in TN for us and for future radiologists.

Jim Wolfe
Chairman Legislative Committee

There are two ways to contribute to the TN Radiologists’ PAC