Temporary clinical privileges; 8th Ed changes JCIA

Temporary Clinical Privileges; Navigating the New JCIA 8th Edition Standards:

The Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) has introduced new standards in its 8th edition manual, focusing on the granting of temporary clinical privileges to medical staff. This update impacts hospital leaders, medical staff, and administrative processes, necessitating a thorough understanding to ensure compliance and excellence in patient care.

Understanding the New Standards: SQE.06.01

1. Circumstances for Granting Temporary Privileges

Temporary clinical privileges are granted under two circumstances:

• Specific Patient Care Needs: To fulfill an urgent patient care, treatment, or service need.
• Awaiting Review: When an applicant with a complete, unchallenged application is awaiting review and approval by the medical staff executive committee and the governing body.

2. Criteria for Applicants for New Privileges

An applicant for new privileges may be:

• Applying for clinical privileges at the hospital for the first time.
• Holding current privileges and requesting additional ones.
• Undergoing reappointment or reprivileging and requesting additional privileges.

3. Verification Requirements

The hospital must verify:

• Current licensure.
• Relevant training or experience.
• Current competence and ability to perform the requested privileges.
• Other criteria as per applicable laws and regulations.
• Evaluation of medical staff data bank information, if applicable.
• A complete application with no challenges to licensure or involuntary limitations on clinical privileges.

4. Process for Granting Temporary Privileges

Temporary privileges must be:

• Granted by a designated hospital leader, following hospital policy.
• Recommended by the medical staff leader or an authorized designee.
• Granted for a maximum of 120 days for new applicants.
• Communicated to medical staff, including reasons for any denial.

5. Emergency Provisions

In emergencies, any medical staff member with clinical privileges may provide lifesaving care or services to prevent serious harm, as long as the care provided falls within their licensure scope.

How Hospitals Shall Prepare for Compliance with the New Standards:

1. Review and Update Policies

Hospitals must review and update their policies to align with the new JCIA standards,

2. Training and Awareness

Training programs should be developed to ensure stakeholders can implement the new standards.

3. Streamline Verification Processes

Hospitals need to streamline their verification processes to ensure efficient and thorough checks, possibly by upgrading credentialing software.

4. Communication and Documentation

Hospitals should establish a system for timely notification of granting, modification, or restriction decisions to relevant parties.

5. Monitor and Audit Compliance

Hospitals should conduct periodic audits of temporary privilege grants to ensure adherence.

Conclusion

The introduction of these new standards in the JCIA 8th edition manual represents a significant shift in how hospitals manage temporary clinical privileges. Partners Consultants International can guide hospitals to implement these changes effectively. ?https://www.partnersconsultants.com