Pediatrics Committee Charter

A. Purpose Of The Pediatric Committee

Primary Function

The primary function of the Pediatric Committee (“PC”) of the American College of Physician Advisors is to provide a forum for, and take responsibility for the education of physician advisors, medical directors, administrators, and others who practice in a healthcare environment with pediatric patients, or desire to learn more about issues relevant to pediatric health care delivery and operations.  This committee will share how organizations adhere to regulatory requirements; address clinical and administrative issues unique to the pediatric population; and provide safe, effective, and efficient care.

Pediatric care may be delivered in a free-standing children’s hospital or a hospital-within-a-hospital.  Pediatric patients are those less than 18 years of age, or 18 years or older with conditions starting during childhood and continuing to receive care in a pediatric environment.

The Pediatric Committee will provide guidance to navigate the regulatory and operational issues, addressing compliance and financial impact on institutions, clinicians, and patients by focusing on the following aspects:

  • Physician advisor role
  • Observation and inpatient criteria
  • Best practices
  • CDI
  • Models of care and care coordination
  • CMS requirements, including conditions for participation
  • Third-party payers
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Denials management
  • Post-acute care options for children
  • Evidence-based guidelines, especially where these are lacking for uncommon pediatric conditions
  • Differences between pediatric and adult resources, including home nursing, specialty pharmacies, skilled nursing facilities, and the like

The Pediatric Committee shall report to the American College of Physician Advisors Board of Directors.

B. Pediatric Committee Members

Membership

In addition to the PC sponsor (ACPA President) as ex-officio member, the initial PC will consist of a chair, Co-Chair and second Co-Chair for continuity and succession planning.

Committee members will be identified by the committee Chair to direct specific projects as needed. Committee members may be appointed or relieved at the discretion of the committee Chair or either Co-Chair. The committee Chair and Co-Chairs are appointed or relieved at the discretion of the ACPA Board of Directors.

Role as a Committee Member

It is intended that the PC leverage the experiences, expertise, and insight of both pediatric and adult experts committed to build professionalism into ACPA’s Pediatric Committee. Committee members may take direct responsibility for managing project activities, or may also be asked to provide support and guidance for those who do. Each PC member is expected to:

  • Understand the strategic implications and outcomes of initiatives being pursued in all committee projects;
  • Appreciate the significance of projects for some or all major stakeholders and represent their interest;
  • Demonstrate genuine interest in the initiatives;
  • Advocate for broad support for the outcomes being pursued.

To meet these expectations, PC members will:

  • Review the status of the committee, agenda and deliverables;
  • Ensure the committee output meets the requirements of the key stakeholders;
  • Contribute to/review any committee-developed educational materials for ACPA members that may serve as part of a core curriculum;
  • Help balance conflicting priorities and resources;
  • Provide guidance to the Board of Directors;
  • Consider ideas and issues raised;
  • Verify the adherence of project activities to the standards of best practice, both within the organization and in a wider context;
  • Foster positive communication outside the PC regarding the committee's progress and outcomes.

C. Meeting Cadence, Process, and Objectives

Meeting Schedule and Process

The PC shall meet quarterly or as required to keep track of current issues or projects. The committee will also provide ongoing nationwide support to ACPA members. The PC Chair, or designee, will call the committee to order and facilitate the committee meeting. The PC will follow modified Roberts Rules of Order, or as determined by the chair, in the conduct of the meetings, motions, discussions and voting.

Meeting Agenda

Following is a sample agenda for PC meetings. At each meeting, project managers will review and report on project status.

  • Introductory Items, such as:
    • Introductions
    • Review Agenda
    • Review of minutes from the meeting prior
    • Review of actions arising from previous meetings
  • Review Project Status
    • Overall Status
      • Scope status
      • Schedule status
      • Budget status
      • Reason for deviation from green
    • New issues arising since the last team meeting
    • Review and approval of project Change Orders
    • Budget (as relevant)
    • Milestone review
    • Formal acceptance of deliverables
    • Accomplishments of action items identified in the previous meetings
    • Plans for the next reporting period
    • Outstanding issues, open topics, and project conflicts
    • Specific requests for assistance from the Committee
  • Consideration of other items relevant to the project
  • Review and summary of any new actions from the current meeting
  • Plans, date and location for next meeting

Approved By: Executive Committee of the Board