I have sent this tip out before -- the last being over a year ago. I feel the need to send it out again, at least yearly, because I continue to hear from nurse practitioners who have let some part of their credentialing slide, and now are miserable.

As all of you know, nurse practitioners need a variety of licenses, certifications, numbers and other documents in order to prescribe, order tests, and get reimbursed for services rendered. These include:

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number
• Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) number (in some states)
• Furnishing number or prescribing authorization (in some states)
• Nursing and advanced practice license
• Certification
• Protocols, standardized procedures and/or collaboration documents
• National Provider Identifier (NPI)
• PECOS registration -- https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/pecos/login.do

I often hear from nurse practitioners who have forgotten to renew these important licenses and registrations, and that leads to a big mess. This is a reminder: To prevent future problems, make sure your licenses, numbers, certifications and documents are current and in a safe place. Conduct a personal audit each year to make sure everything is in order and stays in order.

Source: Carolyn Buppert, NP, JD www.buppert.com