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Q&A: What must a hospital do to allow a practitioner other than a physician to perform an H&P?

Credentialing & Verification Update, June 6, 2007

A: A physician, an oral maxillofacial surgeon, or other qualified individual, in accordance with state law and hospital policy, may perform a history and physical (H&P). Those caregivers, in addition to physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, must be credentialed and privileged through the hospital's medical staff office, and hospitals must examine their qualifications as they do any other practitioner who is credentialed and privileged by the medical staff.

If the healthcare practitioner is privileged within the organization to perform an H&P, then The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rules would allow them to do that. The key is ensuring that caregivers are qualified for the privileges requested.

Editor's note: Questions and topic suggestions can be e-mailed to CVU at mcoler@hcpro.com. We'll find an expert or resource to tackle the issues that are challenging you.

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