License Verification Tool | Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse
The implications of not confirming the validity of occupational licenses and certification of your workforce can be severe for employers. The increasingly complicated licensing landscape and evolving responsibilities make manual primary source verification an impractical workaround. To remain compliant with regulations, mitigate risk, and reduce administrative burden on HR departments, employers should implement a primary source license verification system.
Primary Source Verification and Why It Matters to EmployersPrimary source verification (PSV) is a process used by organizations to confirm the license and certification credentials of its employees. A primary source verification system removes the administrative burden of manual verification processes and offers visibility into employee license status. It helps employers meet their compliance obligations and ensure appropriate competency levels, which is particularly important for employers in the healthcare and technology fields.Primary source verification is also a critical component of terminating employment with a professional license, as it ensures that the credentials are not active and prevents the employee from seeking licensing in a different jurisdiction. Without this confirmation, a terminated employee may obtain a license in another jurisdiction and cause a legal issue for the employer. In healthcare, for example, failing to obtain confirmation of lapsed credentials can lead to serious regulatory or legal issues.The Advantages of a Primary Source Verification SystemUsing a primary source license system offers numerous advantages to employers, including:Time savings: A primary source verification system provides the information employers need in a fraction of the time it would take if the process was done manually.Reduced risk: By sourcing information from the original record holder (i.e. the licensing or certification board) employers can reduce the risk of misinterpreting or misapplying incorrect information.High degree of accuracy: Fixed-record systems provide the most accurate and up-to-date data possible, ensuring that the information provided is correct.Reduce costs: Implementing an automated system can substantially reduce the costs associated with manual verification processes.Mitigation of legal risks: Automated systems track license renewals and expiration dates, alerting employers to any discrepancies or changes and mitigating potential legal risks.Choosing a Primary Source Verification SystemChoosing the right system for an organization is key to success. Employers should ensure that the system they choose meets their specific needs, such as providing a high level of accuracy and reliability, being user-friendly and offering advanced features such as workflow automation and detailed reporting.When selecting a primary source verification system, pay close attention to the features offered by the system. These features should include automation and centralization of license status tracking, enhanced reporting capabilities, customizable workflows, and integration with existing systems (such as payroll). Additionally, seek out a vendor that provides ongoing customer support to ensure that your primary source verification system is running smoothly.The essencePrimary source verification is a critical component of any organizations compliance and risk mitigation strategy. Employers must ensure that their employees’ qualifications and certifications are accurate and up-to-date to side-step potential pitfalls. By implementing an automated primary source verification system, employers can reduce regulatory and legal risks while saving time and money.Topics: