ATIHBC Module 1 - Building Essential Infrastructure: Policy & Procedures, Credentialing, Privileges, Supervision

Course overview

This class introduces the main documents that must be in place for an acupuncturist to practice in a hospital system.  The Policies & Procedures (P&P) is a document that can be approved by the hospital’s highest executives/boards and/or at the department level that summarizes (in greater or lesser detail) all aspects of acupuncture therapy as it is to be delivered at the institution/department in whole or in part as a clinical service. P&P generally describes terms of credentialing and privileging for practitioners, referred to as licensed independent practitioners (LIP) by the Joint Commission.  Credentialing is the process by which institutions establish that a new practitioner is qualified for a position and can be trusted; and what quality benchmarks they need to meet to remain on staff.  Privileges determine what the provider can do at the institution, which is described in a state’s scope of practice.  Medical supervision or oversight is a key element of hospital-based practice, how it is delineated and evaluated is organization specific. Issues re consenting patients: verbal informed noted in chart or separate signed informed are discussed. Class handouts include templates for P&P, credentialing and delineation of privileges, as well as suggestions for supervision/oversight and job evaluation, performance review.