Credentialing for nurse practitioners: an update

The public has the right to safe, quality healthcare delivered by professionals with the appropriate education, training, and experience. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare, and managed care organizations take this commitment very seriously. One mechanism required by these agencies to ensure patient safety is the process of credentialing and delineation of clinical privileges for medical staff and allied health professionals, such as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. This commitment extends to patients receiving healthcare through the technology of telemedicine and to those requiring emergency care resulting from trauma, disasters, and varying forms of terrorism. In addition, safeguards must be in place to prevent identity theft of healthcare providers, including Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. It is essential that Acute Care Nurse Practitioners be familiar with the regulations that impact and guide the process of credentialing and obtaining clinical privileges in a variety of venues.