Credentialing AHPs
Advanced practice professionals (APP), also known as allied health professionals (AHP), have medical training but are not physicians. APPs play an increasingly important role in today’s healthcare industry. Some states allow independent practice by nurse practitioners (NP) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). While all states require some level of supervision of physician assistants (PA), some only require the physician to be available by phone. CRNAs, NPs, and PAs are the most common APPs in most hospitals. APPs in your organization might also include certified nurse-midwives, optometrists, and psychologists.
APPs may be members of the medical staff and subject to credentialing, privileging, and peer review processes. They may practice independently when state law allows this, but state laws vary in the amount of autonomy APPs have. In states that allow independent practice, however, a hospital may still require physician supervision. The hospital would specify the extent of supervision required.
The credentialing process is much the same for APPs as it is for physicians. However, instead of medical school and internship/residency, you will verify relevant graduate level training. Primary source verification must be obtained directly from the school for NPs. PA training may be verified through the online AMA profile service.
Source: Credentialing A to Z