Which organization defines PSV as 'Verification of a practitioner\'s credentials based upon evidence obtained from the issuing source of the credential'?

Which organization defines PSV as 'Verification of a practitioner\'s credentials based upon evidence obtained from the issuing source of the credential'?

• A. Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
• B. American Medical Association (AMA)
• C. Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
• D. Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC)

Answer: (D)

Primary Source Verification is the process of confirming a practitioner’s credentials by obtaining evidence directly from the issuing source, such as a medical school, licensing board, or certifying organization. This approach ensures the information is authentic and up to date because it comes straight from the entity that issued the credential, not from a secondary report. URAC’s credentialing standards explicitly define PSV in this way, which is why URAC is the correct reference. The other organizations listed serve different roles in healthcare—DNV focuses on certification/standards, AMA is a professional association, and AAAHC accredits ambulatory care facilities—not on defining how PSV should be conducted within credentialing. In practice, relying on primary source verification supports accurate privileging decisions and aligns with accreditation expectations, enhancing patient safety and credentialing integrity.

Primary Source Verification is the process of confirming a practitioner’s credentials by obtaining evidence directly from the issuing source, such as a medical school, licensing board, or certifying organization. This approach ensures the information is authentic and up to date because it comes straight from the entity that issued the credential, not from a secondary report. URAC’s credentialing standards explicitly define PSV in this way, which is why URAC is the correct reference. The other organizations listed serve different roles in healthcare—DNV focuses on certification/standards, AMA is a professional association, and AAAHC accredits ambulatory care facilities—not on defining how PSV should be conducted within credentialing. In practice, relying on primary source verification supports accurate privileging decisions and aligns with accreditation expectations, enhancing patient safety and credentialing integrity.