| Aspect | Medical Staff Credentialing | Medical Staff Privileging |
|---|
| Purpose | Verifies qualifications, licenses, and background of medical staff | Determines specific clinical privileges a provider can perform |
| Process | Review of credentials, certifications, and work history | Assessment of skills, experience, and competency for specific procedures |
| Timing | Before appointment or renewal | Ongoing or periodic, based on privileges |
| Focus | Qualifications and background | Clinical capabilities and scope of practice |
While credentialing verifies a medical staff member's qualifications and background, privileging grants them specific clinical rights within a facility. Both processes are essential for ensuring quality care and patient safety, but credentialing is the foundational step, followed by privileging to define the scope of practice.