47.    CREDENTIALING/PRIVELEGING:

Upon hire, all employees submit copies of their diploma, degree, and/or any registration or certification to provide health care services bestowed by a State or National organization as required by the position.

Certifications/registrations are confirmed by telephone contact to the certifying agency and documented prior to being allowed to perform duties that require such credentialing.  Such verification assures the person has the training and legal authority to practice within the requested scope of practice.  The verification also seeks to determine if any sanctions or malpractice claims exist. 

Credentialed staff are asked to sign a statement confirming the absence of illegal drug use.  Agency policy requires drug testing at the time of hire and allows for random testing throughout employment at the discretion of Administration.  Touchstone Services, Inc. utilizes the Administrative Team as the source of credentialing decisions.

Staff attest to their ability to perform the essential functions of their job by signing a copy of the job description for their position at the time of orientation and reviewing it annually at the time of the annual performance appraisal.  The Performance Appraisal also reviews the individual’s professional performance, judgment and clinical competence.  Should a question of competency or quality of care arise, the scope of an individual’s practice may be limited by the Administrative Team.  The individual may appeal these limitations in writing within ten (10) working days.  All efforts will be made to review the situation fairly and objectively.  Any revocation, suspensions or terminations in staff privileges will be reported to the contracting community mental health agency.

Contracting Community Mental Health agencies may require some positions to be reviewed by their credentialing body.  Touchstone Services, Inc. will comply with that process.

In order to assure maintaining up-to-date certification, Touchstone Services, Inc. reimburses the registration fee to the employees for relevant certifications.  Staff submit their renewal registration/licensing application to Touchstone.  Touchstone mails this application along with payment o the appropriate accrediting body.

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