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Reminding practitioners to take responsibility

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, April 15, 2010

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Anne R. Buss, CPMSM, CPCS, is a medical staff consultant based in Fayetteville, AR.

Dear readers,

Some medical staff services departments (MSSD) receive calls almost daily from practitioners asking for help getting an NPI (National Practitioner Identifier) number or to ask who can help them get a license renewal sent to the state medical board via certified mail. Some medical staff offices go to great lengths and expense sending reminders about licenses, insurance certificates, DEA, and basic life support (BLS) expirations. On one hand, it is a practice that has been perpetuated for years and some practitioners seem to rely on being reminded; on the other hand I think every state in the U.S. has online capability for license and DEA renewal—which practitioners can utilize themselves rather than relying on the MSSD. I have been asked to call my state medical board to see how far along the organization is with processing a license application. I respectfully declined and said that was not my responsibility.    

When a practitioner renews his or her license, online payment information is confirmed and the application for renewal is processed. The provider is assured that the information is correct and complete. Can or should the MSSD or the provider’s office personnel complete these renewals? No. The licensee is solely responsible for providing the information regarding CME completion, problems with alcohol or drugs, disciplinary actions in other states, arrests and convictions, etc., which are required for practitioners to receive NPIs and renewals. If the provider allows or depends on someone else to fill out applications and renewals, the provider is still responsible for the information provided when they sign on the dotted line, or click the “I Agree” link.  

In every set of bylaws I have ever worked with, there is a statement of medical staff responsibilities that includes the following intent: “Each medical staff member is responsible for notifying the medical staff president or administrator of any adverse status change to the member’s professional license, DEA certificate or prescriptive authority, membership or clinical privileges at any hospital or health care institution, professional liability claims, cancellation of professional liability insurance…” Every applicant signs in agreement.  

In every orientation session, MSPs should remind medical staff providers that they are responsible. If your medical staff is having issues with practitioners not taking responsibility for their own licenses and other documents, it may be time for an orientation refresher.

Remember, those who are afraid to ask are afraid to learn.

All the best,

Anne R. Buss, CPMSM, CPCS

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