Advice about how to "Go Medical"

Converting your women's counseling center to a medical clinic in order to offer limited obstetrical ultrasound and nursing services is not as difficult as you might think.

It is important to remember that each state differs in legal requirements concerning the establishment of non-profit medical clinics. All of the national pregnancy resource organizations have manuals and instructions on how to meet these requirements.

There is no substitute for local legal advice from an attorney who is familiar with the laws in your own state.

LifeScan training is for staff members or volunteers from clinics who have already begun the process of the medical conversion. 

LifeScan is NOT a substitute for legal counsel nor do we seek to undermine the advice given by any of the well-respected national organizations.

LifeScan provides step-by-step instructions for medical professionals to gain competency in limited obstetrical ultrasound.

Sample forms, sample policies and procedures, and any other helpful tips that are provided by LifeScan to guide you through the conversion process should all be reviewed by your own Medical Director and Attorney to assure compliance in your area.

 
     

   
From one Executive Director’s Point of View… 

Tips For “Going Medical”

  • The CALL

As an organization, you must know that you know that you know that God is CALLING  your ministry to convert to a medical model.  The CALL is the only compelling reason to begin this process, and the CALL must be felt at the board level AND at the staff level. We know that He equips those whom He CALLS. 

This CALL must be heard by the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, other key staff members, and key donors. Prayer must be the forerunner to any forward movement  toward a medical conversion. 

Hebrews 13:20-21: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. “ NIV 

  • The COST

The financial cost of the medical conversion is only one area to consider- and probably not the primary concern. Examine ALL of the investments you will need to make in terms of gaining the knowledge you need, building a team of medical staff and/or volunteers, and training your existing staff to think according to a new paradigm and learning how to go about their daily duties within the framework of that new paradigm.

Luke 14:28-30:  "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?  For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'  NIV 

  • The CLOCK

There is wisdom in the quotation “hurry is always the enemy of best.” That is very true when it comes to ministry in general – and with medical conversions, in particularly.  TAKE TIME TO LAY THE PROPER FOUNDATION! 

Ps 127:1 – “Unless the LORD builds the house,its builders labor in vain.” NIV

Take time to:

    1. Gather information. Talk to other ministries who have done what you would like to do and who are doing it the way you want to do it.
    2. Contact the national organizations. (CareNet, NIFLA, Heartbeat International) See what they recommend and what kind of help is available to help you make the transition.
    3. Choose your Medical Director with care – and with much prayer. This is one of the most crucial relationships you will develop for the future of your medical ministry. This physician must have a love and passion for life, as well as a love and passion for your ministry.
    4. Choose your legal advisor with care – and with much prayer. This, too, is a crucial relationship. The laws in your state will dictate many of the decisions you make about medical protocols. Your legal advisor must be familiar with health care laws, or be willing to learn.
    5. Build a strong team. Spend the time that is necessary to talk through all of the issues and concern that will come up relating to the medical conversion. These conversations will take place at the board level, at the staff/volunteer level, and at the donor level.
    6. Know who you are. In order to build a strong case for making this major change in your organization, you should know exactly who you are, whom you serve, and how you are perceived in the community.
    7. Know who you want to be. If the results of studying your organization reveal that you are not reaching your target client, develop a strategic plan to get on track.