CPCS Locum Tenens and Temporary Credentialing Flashcards
6 cards from real CPCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CPCS Locum Tenens and Temporary Credentialing flashcards as text
What is the credentialing specialist's responsibility when a locum tenens practitioner's DEA registration is found to be in a different state than where they will practice?
Answer: Notify the practitioner and require a DEA registration valid in the state of practice before prescribing controlled substances
DEA registrations are state-specific; a practitioner must hold a DEA registration in the state where they prescribe controlled substances, and this must be verified before privileges are granted.
Which of the following represents a 'red flag' in a locum tenens application that warrants additional investigation before granting temporary privileges?
Answer: A pattern of very short-term engagements at multiple facilities combined with unexplained employment gaps
Frequent short-term engagements and unexplained gaps may indicate credentialing issues or performance problems at prior facilities that require further inquiry.
A locum tenens practitioner has privileges at a hospital but is later found to have a pending state medical board complaint that was not disclosed on the application. What is the FIRST action the credentialing specialist should take?
Answer: Immediately notify the Chief Medical Officer and credentials committee and review whether privileges should be suspended pending investigation
Undisclosed adverse actions are a patient safety concern requiring immediate notification to leadership and a privilege review, not a deferral to outside parties.
Which federal law requires hospitals to query the NPDB when considering applicants for medical staff membership or clinical privileges, including temporary and locum tenens practitioners?
Answer: The Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA) of 1986
HCQIA established the NPDB and requires hospitals to query it when credentialing practitioners for membership or privileges, including temporary and locum practitioners.
When granting temporary privileges to a locum tenens practitioner, which of the following BEST describes the standard for evaluating their competency in requested privileges?
Answer: Current clinical competency must be verified through peer references, work history, and prior privilege documentation from a comparable institution
Even for temporary privileges, current clinical competency must be evaluated using references and prior privilege documentation, not assumed from licensure or certification alone.
A locum tenens practitioner is granted temporary surgical privileges. The hospital has no mechanism to conduct FPPE for temporary practitioners. According to best practice, what should the credentialing specialist recommend?
Answer: Develop a focused review process for temporary practitioners, such as case review by a supervising department member during the engagement
Best practice and accreditation intent require some form of performance monitoring even for temporary practitioners, adapted to the short engagement period.