Ask the expert: What is the MSP's role in medical staff reappointment?

The medical staff professional (MSP) is responsible for processing and maintaining applicants’ credentials files. MSPs may also be responsible for:

• Prescreening applicants to ensure they continue to meet the minimum criteria necessary to reapply for membership and clinical privileges
• Sending and receiving the application and request for membership and clinical privileges
• Monitoring the reappointment process to ensure that the applicant completes his or her application within the specified time period and submits all required documentation
• Conducting primary source verification
• Preparing the file for review by the appropriate individuals and committees
• Presenting the file to the appropriate department chiefs
• Preparing and presenting the information to the credentials committee, the medical executive committee (MEC), and the governing board
• Updating the credentials file at the time of reappointment and maintaining current credentials upon expiration
• Maintaining the credentialing database
• Keeping the department chiefs and credentialing committee apprised of credentialing issues that arise
• Reviewing and maintaining the medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations, as well as policies and procedures
• Coordinating the continuing medical education program activities and documentation

This week’s question comes from The Essential Guide to Medical Staff Reappointment: Tools to Create and Maintain an Ongoing, Criteria-based Process, Second Edition, by Anne Roberts, CPMSM, CPCS.