Hello friends!
I was recently asked if our hospital has a process for vetting licensed professionals that offer to volunteer during a disaster. It seems that we don't have a policy yet and I'm hoping this group can help us get a jump start on creating one. Do you have a policy or process that you can share? Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated!
The TJC standard:
Before a volunteer practitioner who is not a licensed independent practitioner is considered eligible to function as a practitioner, the hospital obtains his or her valid government-issued photo identification (for example, a driver’s license or passport) and one of the following:
- A current picture identification card from a health care organization that clearly identifies professional designation
- A current license, certification, or registration
- Primary source verification of licensure, certification, or registration (if required by law and regulation in order to practice)
- Identification indicating that the individual is a member of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP), or other recognized state or federal response organization or group
- Identification indicating that the individual has been granted authority by a government entity to provide patient care, treatment, or services in disaster circumstances
- Confirmation by hospital staff with personal knowledge of the volunteer practitioner’s ability to act as a qualified practitioner during a disaster.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Warm regards,
Allyson
