What safeguard must hospitals ensure regarding a practitioner's privileges according to CMS?

The requirement that hospitals ensure a practitioner's privileges relate to their character and competence aligns with the standards set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This safeguard is crucial because it ensures that only qualified and competent professionals are granted privileges to provide care. By relating privileges directly to a practitioner's character—which encompasses professionalism and ethical behavior—as well as their competence—which refers to their clinical skills and knowledge—the hospital maintains a high standard of patient care and safety.

This focus on character and competence helps to uphold the integrity of the healthcare system, ensuring that practitioners not only possess the necessary skills but also adhere to ethical standards that protect patients and enhance the overall quality of care. By prioritizing these aspects, hospitals can better avoid malpractice issues and ensure that they deliver effective and safe patient care.

While regular performance reviews, financial support during re-evaluations, and maintaining a continuous education record are important components of a practitioner's ongoing professional development and oversight, the fundamental safeguard emphasized by CMS is the establishment of privileges that accurately reflect the practitioner's overall character and competence.