CPCS Primary Source Verification (PSV) Standards and Procedures 3

Question 1

A practitioner's medical school closed and no successor organization can be found. What is the most appropriate action for the credentialing specialist?

Accepted Answer

Research alternative verification sources such as state licensing board records or AMA profiles, document all efforts, and follow organizational policy

Answer

When a primary source is unavailable, credentialing specialists must exhaust alternative sources, document all efforts, and follow organizational policy—which may allow alternative verification pathways.

Question 2

Which scenario represents a failed Primary Source Verification that requires escalation?

Accepted Answer

A training institution cannot confirm that a practitioner completed the residency they claimed on their application

Answer

When a primary source cannot confirm what a practitioner claimed—in this case residency completion—it constitutes a material discrepancy that must be escalated to the credentials committee.

Question 3

What is the required action when a discrepancy is discovered between a practitioner's attestation and Primary Source Verification findings?

Accepted Answer

Document the discrepancy and refer the matter to the credentials committee per organizational policy

Answer

Discrepancies found during PSV must be documented and referred to the credentials committee, which holds the authority to determine how such findings affect appointment decisions.

Question 4

Under The Joint Commission standards, which elements must be verified both at initial appointment AND at reappointment?

Accepted Answer

Current licensure, relevant training or experience, current competence, and ability to perform requested privileges

Answer

TJC requires verification of current licensure, relevant training or experience, current competence, and ability to perform privileges at both initial appointment and every reappointment.

Question 5

A hospital delegates PSV to a Credentials Verification Organization (CVO). Which statement is TRUE regarding the hospital's accountability?

Accepted Answer

The hospital remains fully accountable for ensuring PSV is completed appropriately and meets accreditation standards

Answer

Even when a CVO performs PSV, the hospital retains ultimate accountability for ensuring that credentialing processes meet all accreditation and regulatory requirements.

(CPCS) Certified Professional Credentialing Specialist Practice Test

(CPCS) Certified Professional Credentialing Specialist Practice Test

CPCS Primary Source Verification (PSV) Standards and Procedures 3