Privilege delineation , defined as the practice of listing specific clinical privileges or procedures a provider is allowed to perform within a healthcare organization , is essential in assuring the highest level of quality care and patient safety , and therefore also minimizing the liability exposure of an institution and its staff . In this chapter , we will discuss the many components of privilege delineation . We will review everything from the development of required qualifications , criteria for education and / or training for primary or core privileges to additional qualifications for advanced and / or special privileges .
Delineation of Privileges ( DOPs )
Providers are granted privileges based on their education , training , and current competency . This means a provider must meet certain criteria in order to request privileges at an organization . These criteria not only need to be included in the medical staff bylaws and policies and procedures , but should also be indicated on the delineation of privileges . This ensures the provider is aware of the requirements for requesting those privileges . The delineation of clinical privileges designates the specific services and procedures a provider is deemed qualified and competent to provide or perform .
An organization ’ s delineation of privileges must always be up to date . The organization must have an ongoing process for reviewing new services and / or procedures and a method for establishing the required qualifications / criteria for any new services and / or
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