Which statement correctly describes credentialing and privileging in PMU settings?

• A. Credentialing verifies qualifications; privileging grants authority to perform specific procedures.
• B. Privileging verifies qualifications; credentialing grants authority to perform procedures.
• C. They are unrelated to clinical privileges.
• D. They are identical processes.

Answer: (A)

In PMU settings, the process has two distinct parts that work together to ensure safe practice. Credentialing is the step where the organization verifies a clinician’s qualifications—licensure, education, training, board certification, and professional history. It answers the question: does this clinician meet the basic requirements to practice in this setting?

Privileging comes next and is the authority granted to perform specific procedures or services within the facility. This decision is based on demonstrated competence, training, and the facility’s needs, and it defines which procedures the clinician is allowed to perform.

So, credentialing verifies qualifications, and privileging grants the authority to carry out particular procedures. They’re related, but not the same, and both are essential for patient safety and appropriate scope of practice.