Credentialing and privileging of pharmacists: A resource paper from the Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy

Currently, all U.S.-educated pharmacists attain a fundamental set of credentials to qualify to enter practice-an accredited professional pharmacy degree and a license awarded upon successful completion of a national postgraduation examination administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy on behalf of state boards of pharmacy. This process provides an established framework to assure stakeholders of the ability of pharmacists to provide care and services that reflect sound, entry-level practice. However, evolving patient care and health system needs and demands have heightened the requisite skills needed by pharmacists to deliver more complex services. Ongoing professional development and competency assessment are integral parts of health professionals' expectations to maintain a contemporary practice. This resource guide on the credentialing and privileging of pharmacists has been developed to supplement the Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy (CCP)1 Guiding Principles for Post-licensure Credentialing of Pharmacists2 and to assist those who are introducing or enhancing a credentialing and privileging system for pharmacists within their health care settings. CCP does not provide the guide for use as a standard of practice nor intends to represent the content as best or expected practices.