Credentialing involves the intake, vetting, and adjudication of professionals to verify education, licensing, certifications, and other qualifications. These artifacts are linked to an individual through a case, and once adjudicated, grant the employee or contractor specific privileges such as patient care, medical practice, information security, or law enforcement. Credentialing begins during onboarding but extends throughout the individual’s tenure with continuous evaluation and updates.
The Challenges of Credentialing
Many agencies face significant hurdles when onboarding professionals and managing credentialing, privileging, and enrollment tasks, particularly for positions like healthcare providers. Manual processes, cross-departmental touchpoints, and complex approvals slow down operations. The lack of automation and limited visibility into process progress negatively impacts compliance, new hire experiences, and the speed at which mission-critical work begins.
Key Features of an Optimized Credential Management Process
A streamlined credential management process should aim to:
- Eliminate paper forms and digitize workflows.
- Automate credentialing tasks to reduce manual input.
- Validate credentials and assess qualifications efficiently.
- Track deadlines for renewals and requirements.
- Maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Centralize credential data in a secure, searchable system.
- Decrease the time to credential, provision, and onboard employees or contractors.
The Solution: ServiceNow-Based Credential Management
Using a ServiceNow-based case management solution, agencies can transform credentialing into an efficient, integrated workflow. These solutions are designed to manage credentials as effectively as background investigations and adjudications without the need for separate software. ServiceNow’s flexible framework allows for seamless integration of credential management with other employee services, including:
- Onboarding: Coordinated workflows from hire to first day.
- IT Account and Equipment Provisioning: Streamlined access and tools for new employees.
- Talent Development: Capturing and reporting on Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.
- Performance Management: Tracking goals and achievements.
- Exit Clearance: Ensuring proper credential deactivation and final reporting.
Compliance and Efficiency Benefits
A ServiceNow-based solution standardizes processes, ensuring alignment with agency policies and federal healthcare regulations. It offers robust logging, audit capabilities, and enhanced reporting functionality. By adopting a unified platform, agencies benefit from:
- Improved compliance with credentialing standards.
- Simplified reporting and analytics.
- Transparency and efficiency in credential management processes.
With extensive experience in credentialing and case management, Chainbridge Solutions is uniquely positioned to help agencies modernize these workflows. Contact us to learn how we can assist in implementing an integrated credential management system tailored to your needs.