In terms of credential verification, what is meant by PSV?

Primary Source Verification (PSV) refers to the process of obtaining credentialing information directly from the original source that issued the credentials. This means verifying a healthcare provider's qualifications — such as their education, training, board certifications, and work history — directly from the institutions that granted these credentials or through official documentation. This process is crucial in ensuring that the information reflected in a provider's qualifications is accurate and up-to-date, thereby maintaining the integrity of the credentialing process.

Primary Source Verification is essential in healthcare because it establishes accountability and trust in the qualifications of healthcare professionals, which ultimately impacts patient safety and quality of care. Obtaining this information directly from authoritative sources helps mitigate the risk of fraud or errors that could occur if verification were conducted through secondary sources, such as personal attestations or documents provided by the individual being verified. Thus, the importance of primary source verification lies in its provision of a reliable foundation for credentialing decisions.