Competency-based Credentialing: A New Model from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine Expert Panel on Credentialing

Abstract

ABSTRACT Concern about the adequacy of the credentialing process led the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine to create the Expert Panel on Credentialing for the purpose of ensuring that all physicians on a medical staff are providing safe and competent care throughout the entire duration of their careers. The Panel was charged with creating a standardized framework that facilities could use for both the initial credentialing and the re-credentialing processes. The Panel began its deliberations in September 2006. An initial survey of selected health care facilities in Massachusetts was conducted to understand the current spectrum of credentialing criteria. The Panel reviewed the literature and developed core credentialing criteria. These criteria, or guidelines, suggest several assessment measures for each of the six core competencies endorsed by The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and The Joint Commission (Table 4). Health care facilities may elect to use these guidelines during the credentialing process to ensure that every licensed and certified physician is competent to provide current evidence-based care.