Tell JCAHO what you think about plans to expand primary source verification

The JCAHO is seeking comment from healthcare organizations on a proposed change to its standards that would require primary-source verification for all practitioners required to have a license to practice.

The JCAHO has put out for "field review" a proposed change to standard HR.1.20 that would require verification of licensure, certification, or registration from primary sources, not only for all licensed independent practitioners as the accreditor now requires, but for advance practice nurses, physicians assistants and other staff who must have a license to practice. HR. 1.20 is found in the Human Resources chapter of the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals.  Comments are due by Friday, August 20.

The JCAHO noted the growing number of practitioners now licensed in order to practice. "Because of the ease of producing fraudulent credentials, the procedure of merely viewing the license or receiving a copy of the individual's license simply do not provide adequate protection against the against the use of fraudulent credentials," JCAHO president Dennis O'Leary, MD, wrote in a letter to organizations. Along with hospitals, the change would also apply to ambulatory care, behavioral health care, home care, crucial access hospitals, long-term care, and assisted living facilities.

Go to the JCAHO's Web site to view the proposed standard changes or complete an online comment form.