title: The PA credentialing process--the Bureau of Health Professions' role.
abstract: The widespread use of credentialing mechanisms has been an important trend among health professions in recent years. The PA profession is one of several that has undergone a multi-stage credentialing process designed to promote individual competence and relevance of the field. The goal was to establish a national credentialing program involving clearly delineated roles, competency requirements, and criterion-referenced examinations. Several organizations participated in the process to produce a variety of assessment tools and continuing competence models. The article discusses the role of these organizations (including that of the Bureau of Health Professions), examines the initial development of the credentialing process, and outlines the four major phases of the program. The author cites that while the entry-level competence of PAs can be assured through the credentialing process, the profession's continuing competency program remains the subject of controversy, partially because of the newness of the profession and its re-certification program. The author feels, however, that the experience gained in the initial credentialing process will assist in the resolution of this matter.
mesh_terms: D003406:Credentialing / Q000592:standards*; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States