Who must approve credentialing policies and procedures before they are implemented?

• A. The NPDB.
• B. MEC and governing body.
• C. Only the facility administrator.
• D. External accrediting agency.

Answer: (B)

Credentialing policies and procedures must have governance oversight before they’re put into effect. The Medical Executive Committee (MEC) provides the clinical leadership and physician input to ensure policies reflect appropriate medical practice and patient care standards. The governing body (the hospital board or equivalent) holds ultimate authority for the organization, ensuring policies align with legal, financial, and organizational obligations. Together, MEC and the governing body approve credentialing policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The NPDB is a data bank used to inform credentialing decisions, not to approve policies. A facility administrator may manage policy development and coordination, but the authority to approve policies rests with MEC and the governing body. External accrediting agencies may require compliance with certain standards, but they don’t serve as the approving authority for internal credentialing policies.