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. 2021 Apr 18;12(4):234–245. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v12.i4.234

Table 2.

Late career practitioner policies adopted at health institutions

Program
Objectives
Candidates
Medical exam
Performance testing
Modification of privileges
Stanford Health Care[16,17] To ensure high quality care for patients and protect them harm and identify health concerns of practitioners 74.5 years old and every 2 yr thereafter Comprehensive history and physical examination including vision, hearing, neurological, and cognitive testing Peer assessment by hospital staff of technical and procedural competencies, relative to Stanford expectations Yes, if non-compliant or unsafe practice patterns
Aging Surgeon Program at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD[43] Designed to protect patients from unsafe surgeons and guard surgeons from arbitrary or unreliable methods of assessing competence or cognitive capacity. The program can identify potentially treatable or reversible disorders that, if properly treated, could restore or improve functional capacity No mandatory age. Requested from surgeons, hospitals or licensing bodies of all surgical sub-specialties Evaluation of general health, vision, hearing, neurocognition, visual-spatial and fine motor capability None No
Hartford Health Care[44] To ensure patient safety and high-quality medical care 70 years old and above, and annually thereafter Annual physical exam, vision, neurological testing and neuropsychological screening OPPE. FPPE if needed, to identify patterns that may negatively impact quality and safety of care Yes, discussion with department Chief ± Credentials Committee if deemed unable to safely exercise privileges
YNHH[21,45] To protect patients from harm and safeguard fair physician assessment 70 years old and above Ophthalmologic exam and 16 test neuropsychologic screening battery None Yes, MSRC suggestions based on screening results
Legacy Health, OR[46] To assess physicians to ensure patient safety and physician wellness 70 years old and above, and every 2 yr thereafter Physical capacity by occupational therapy and neuropsychological testing Peer review assessment Yes, determined by Credentials Committee, if health problems interfere with safe practice
Driscoll’s Children’s Hospital, Corpus Christi, TX[17] To assure that patient safety and quality are adequately supported by carefully assessing the capabilities, competencies and health status of each practitioner 70 years old and above Comprehensive examination addressing physical and mental capacity by a physician Peer review assessment may be required. Must meet technical and procedural competencies Yes, determined by Credentials committee, if practice unsafe or incompetent
University of Virginia Health System[17] To assess each physician’s capacity to perform requested privileges First assessment at age 70. Annual assessment after 75 years of age Comprehensive examination addressing physical and mental capacity under the Physician Wellness Program None Yes, as determined by Department Chair
UC San Diego LCHS[47,48] To detect any physical or mental health problems that may affect a physician’s ability to practice 70 years old and above. At request of hospital or medical group History and physical exam. Cognitive and mental health screen Dexterity tests for proceduralists/surgeons No
Tahoe Forest Health System, CA[49] To fairly and accurately evaluate physician performance and capabilities 70 years old and above. Required to partake in LCHS See LCHS See LCHS Yes, after consultation with department Chair if adjustment is required

OPPE: Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation; FPPE: Focused Professional Practice Evaluation; YNHH: Yale New Haven Hospital; MSRC: Medical Staff Review Committee; LCHS: Late Career Health Screening for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals.