The former CMO of Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Ill., did not have a medical license for the duration of his eight-year tenure, but a hospital spokesperson said administration officials knew about his lack of license when he was hired, according to a Crain's Chicago Business report.
Leighton Smith, MD, held post as executive vice president of medical affairs and CMO at the 496-bed hospital, even though his medical license expired in 1999. Dr. Smith has denied any connection between his June 1 departure from the hospital and the lacking license.
A NCH spokesperson defended the administration's hiring decision, saying the CMO performs "an administrative function" and does not need an active medical license "because he doesn't treat patients," according to the report. There are no licensing requirements for CMOs in Illinois, although unlicensed CMOs are rare, according to the report.
Some experts say the lack of a medical-licensed CMO could tangle NCH's defense in some malpractice cases, according to the report, and raise questions about the hospital's quality of care.
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Leighton Smith, MD, held post as executive vice president of medical affairs and CMO at the 496-bed hospital, even though his medical license expired in 1999. Dr. Smith has denied any connection between his June 1 departure from the hospital and the lacking license.
A NCH spokesperson defended the administration's hiring decision, saying the CMO performs "an administrative function" and does not need an active medical license "because he doesn't treat patients," according to the report. There are no licensing requirements for CMOs in Illinois, although unlicensed CMOs are rare, according to the report.
Some experts say the lack of a medical-licensed CMO could tangle NCH's defense in some malpractice cases, according to the report, and raise questions about the hospital's quality of care.
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