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JCAHO considers expansion of primary source verification in all healthcare settings

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, December 2, 2004

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While the JCAHO first proposed an expansion of primary-source verification of licensure, training, and education for all practitioners required to have a license to practice in hospitals, the accreditor is now looking at that standard change in more of its healthcare settings.

The JCAHO has posted draft standards and is seeking comment on proposed standards revisions for inclusion in the assisted living, ambulatory care, behavioral health care, home care, long-term care, laboratory, and office-based surgery accreditation manuals. In a Nov. 29 letter, the JCAHO urged people to comment on the draft standards.

"Primary source verification of credentials is not presently required for a number of licensed practitioners who provide care in healthcare organizations," the JCAHO wrote. "Because of the ease of producing fraudulent credentials today, the past practice of merely viewing the license or examining a copy of the individual's license simply does not provide adequate protection against the use of fraudulent credentials."

The proposed standards revisions would require accredited organizations to verify licensure, certification, or registration from primary sources for all licensed independent practitioners, advance practice nurses, physician assistants, and other staff. The revision would change standard HR.1.20 in the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals.

To comment on the proposed standards, complete the field review questions on the Joint Commission website at www.jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/field_reviews.htm no later than Jan. 5, 2005. 

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