CPCS CPCS Locum Tenens and Temporary/Disaster Privileging

Question 1

What is the primary regulatory framework that governs temporary privileging for locum tenens practitioners at accredited hospitals?

Accepted Answer

CMS Conditions of Participation and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission)

Answer

Temporary privileging for locum tenens must comply with CMS Conditions of Participation and accreditation body standards such as The Joint Commission, which set the requirements for granting privileges.

Question 2

Under The Joint Commission standards, temporary privileges may be granted in which two situations?

Accepted Answer

Patient care needs and to allow a practitioner to complete an initial application

Answer

TJC permits temporary privileges when there is an important patient care, treatment, or service need, or to allow a practitioner to complete the credentialing process while their application is pending.

Question 3

A locum tenens physician arrives to cover a hospital unit. Primary source verification has not yet been completed. Which action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Grant temporary privileges only after verifying licensure and querying the NPDB at minimum

Answer

At minimum, hospitals must verify current licensure and query the NPDB before granting temporary privileges, even on an expedited basis.

Question 4

Who typically has authority to grant temporary privileges to a locum tenens provider when the medical executive committee is not available?

Accepted Answer

The Chief Medical Officer or Medical Staff President under defined bylaws authority

Answer

Medical staff bylaws typically delegate authority to grant temporary privileges to the CMO, Chief of Staff, or Medical Staff President when the full committee cannot convene in time.

Question 5

What is the maximum duration The Joint Commission generally recommends for temporary privileges before full credentialing must be completed?

Accepted Answer

90 days

Answer

While TJC does not set a hard maximum in all scenarios, 90 days is the widely accepted practice limit for temporary privileges, aligning with the standard credentialing cycle.

(CPCS) Certified Professional Credentialing Specialist Practice Test

(CPCS) Certified Professional Credentialing Specialist Practice Test

CPCS CPCS Locum Tenens and Temporary/Disaster Privileging