Hot Topics serves lunch, answers about Statement of Common Values
A quick shoutout to all the physicians who joined us for our special Hot Topics lunch this month! Hot Topics is an opportunity for hospital leaders to connect with physicians face to face, discuss ideas for improving care and operations, and field any questions physicians might have.
This month, CMO Liz Withers, MD, MBA, fielded questions about the hospital’s upcoming transition from the ERDs to the Statement of Common Values.
Earlier this month, Intermountain Health announced that the Peaks Region will move to an updated Catholic and secular governance structure on Monday, Aug. 12. This structure, decided through a collaboration of our leadership, boards and Leaven Ministries, will maintain the region’s Catholic values and healthcare ministry while establishing clear and logical governance for historically secular entities.
Under the new structure, Good Samaritan and Lutheran will join Platte Valley in its existing secular governance branch. This move recognizes that Good Samaritan and Lutheran were founded and operated as secular hospitals before joining Legacy SCL Health. Colorado Medical Group clinics will also move to the secular branch; however, clinics located on Catholic-owned property will continue to operate under the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
What does this mean in practice?
Most caregivers and most patients will notice little or no change. The primary changes will relate to prescriptions and procedures not permitted under the ERDs.
After Aug. 12, Good Samaritan and Lutheran will stop observing the ERDs and will operate instead under a Statement of Common Values shared by all Peaks Region care sites.
This change applies to the inpatient pharmacies associated with Good Samaritan and Lutheran. Outpatient pharmacies will remain under the Catholic governance structure and will continue to adhere to the ERDs.
All Medical Group clinics will operate under the Statement of Common Values, while Medical Group clinics located on Catholic-owned property will continue to operate under the ERDs.
Any caregiver employed by a Catholic entity must always follow the ERDs, regardless of the location where they are serving. Caregivers employed by a secular entity must observe the ERDs when serving at a Catholic care site or clinic.
The Statement of Common Values states that Good Samaritan will not perform elective (direct) abortions, participate in assisted suicide (medical aid in dying), conduct in vitro fertilization, or carry out research involving human embryos that is non-therapeutic.
The Peaks Region remains committed to continuing its rich Catholic history and legacy. Mission Integration will continue to provide all Peaks Region care sites with support, including spiritual care, ethics and formation. Caregivers will be able to request religious exemptions from participating in procedures that do not align with their sincerely held religious beliefs. HR can provide guidance regarding religious exemptions.
Physicians can contact Good Samaritan CMO Liz Withers, MD, MBA, with any questions or concerns.