What is the purpose of FPPE and OPPE in the medical staff process?

• A. FPPE evaluates ongoing performance; OPPE evaluates new privileges.
• B. FPPE evaluates newly granted privileges; OPPE monitors ongoing performance to ensure quality and safety.
• C. FPPE is used only for non-clinical staff; OPPE for administrators.
• D. FPPE and OPPE are unrelated to credentialing.

Answer: (B)

FPPE and OPPE are two phases of evaluating a clinician’s performance in relation to their privileges. FPPE is a focused, time-limited assessment that starts when new privileges are granted or when a new procedure is added. It targets competence and patient safety before full privileges are approved, using methods like targeted chart reviews, direct observation, proctoring, and evaluation of outcomes from early cases. OPPE, on the other hand, is ongoing performance monitoring for all practitioners with privileges, using routine quality indicators such as outcomes, adherence to standards, peer review findings, and patient safety data over time. The FPPE results determine whether a clinician can continue with those privileges (potentially with conditions or additional supervision), while OPPE findings feed into reappointment decisions, privilege modifications, or corrective actions to maintain quality and safety.