Lightning rounds 61: Credentialing and privileging, with Christopher Newman

The podcast episode explores the complexities of medical credentialing and privileging, clarifying the definitions, processes, and implications for healthcare professionals. It distinguishes between credentialing, which verifies qualifications, and privileging, which determines the scope of practice within an institution. The discussion highlights the role of medical staff offices in ensuring competency and legal compliance, especially amidst varying state laws for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). Real-world scenarios, such as APPs seeking acupuncture privileges or performing procedures outside standard lists, illustrate the nuanced decision-making involved. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clinicians' engagement in shaping credentialing policies and continuous professional evaluation to uphold patient care standards.