In 1992, the United States Congress, by House Joint Resolution 399, and George Bush, President of the United States, issued a proclamation designating the first week of November as “National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week.”

President Bush’s proclamation read, in part:

National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week - 1992

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The professionals who direct or manage medical staff services, from hospital communications to the accreditation of physicians and nurses, play an important role in our Nation's health care system. In addition to serving in hospitals and other primary care facilities, these professionals also work in health maintenance organizations, medical societies, State licensing boards, and consulting firms. By administering rules and regulations, by ensuring accreditation compliance, and by providing a wide range of support to physicians, medical staff coordinators help to promote the quality and efficiency of health care.

Today many medical staff services professionals are striving to promote efficiency and professionalism in health care by working through the legal financial, and regulatory requirements that have increased along with new challenges and opportunities in the health care industry. This week, we acknowledge the value of such efforts.

In the years since this proclamation was issued, the work of Medical Staff Services Professionals has increased in complexity and significance. Our commitment to excellence, leadership and professional growth is ongoing.

The over 4000 members of the National Association Medical Staff Services,
as well as our colleagues in healthcare administration, law, and quality,
are pleased to Celebrate

National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week
November 2 - 8, 2008

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/print.php?pid=47427