Which statement best describes the difference between credentialing and privileging in physician assistant practice?

• A. Credentialing ensures patient confidentiality; privileging handles documentation.
• B. Credentialing verifies qualifications (education, licensure, certifications); privileging authorizes specific procedures within a facility based on those credentials and competency.
• C. Credentialing defines scope of practice in law; privileging assigns patient records.
• D. Credentialing is the act of granting medical privileges; privileging is the process of renewing licenses.

Answer: (B)

Credentialing verifies qualifications such as education, licensure, and board certifications to confirm a clinician is eligible to practice within an organization. Privileging then authorizes that clinician to perform specific procedures or provide particular services within the facility, based on those credentials and demonstrated competency. In other words, credentialing establishes basic eligibility, while privileging defines the exact scope of practice inside a given setting. A PA would first be credentialed to practice generally, then be granted privileges to perform chosen procedures (e.g., certain surgical tasks or patient care activities) within that facility according to their demonstrated abilities.