According to CMS, the medical staff must include at a minimum which types of providers?

The correct answer is based on the requirements established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding medical staff composition in healthcare facilities. According to CMS regulations, the medical staff of a facility is primarily expected to consist of physicians, which include both Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs). This foundational requirement underscores the importance of having licensed and trained physicians who are equipped to make critical medical decisions, provide necessary care, and lead the medical team within the institution.

The inclusion of MDs or DOs is essential because they are the core providers responsible for patient diagnosis, treatment plans, and overall clinical governance in medical settings. This requirement reinforces the necessity for operational standards aimed at ensuring patient safety, quality of care, and compliance with established medical protocols.

While nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and holistic health providers play significant roles in patient care, their inclusion as part of the medical staff is not mandated by CMS in the same way for accreditation purposes. Thus, the specific emphasis on MDs and DOs highlights the structured hierarchy and the legal responsibilities associated with medical decision-making in accredited healthcare facilities.