NJ Vendor Credentialing Bill Progresses

In December, the New Jersey Senate passed S.2332, which would create a standardized system of health care industry representatives (HCIR) credentialing intended to preserve patient confidentiality and high standards of care while streamlining HCIR access to facilities. The bill is now in the Assembly where it has been referred to Health and Senior Services Committee. The credentials given to HCIRs will be recognized by all facilities in the state, thus eliminating the incongruent vendor credentialing requirements within various facilities and systems. Standardized credentialing will also help ensure all vendors have the proper training to keep patients safe.

S. 2332 recognizes three tiers of HCIRs. No special certification would be required for Tier One HCIRs, who may have access to a given health care facility on the same terms and conditions as apply to other visitors with general access to the facility. According the legislation, Tier One HCIRs are those who enter a health care facility for administrative purposes which involve no direct access to, or contact with, patients or clinical areas. Tier Two HCIRs are those HCIRs who enter a health care facility to provide technical support, education and consultation services, conduct product and service marketing, promotion, or sales, or operate equipment. Tier Two HCIRs may have direct access to any area of the facility that is not designated as sterile or restricted but shall not, while at the facility, operate clinical equipment used in patient care or for treatment purposes, have direct contact with any patient for purposes associated with the care or treatment of the patient, or otherwise access any area of the facility designated as sterile or restricted. Tier Three HCIRs are those whose purpose includes direct access to patient care environments and clinical care areas, including sterile or restricted areas, direct contact with patients, including contact for purposes associated with the care or treatment of a patient, or the operation of clinical equipment used in patient care or for treatment purposes.

Tier Two and Tier Three HCIRs must provide proof of a satisfactory criminal history background check, liability insurance, and current influenza vaccination.  Tier Two and Tier Three HCIRs will also be required to provide proof of certain educational and training, including appropriate training in HIPAA requirements and in universal precautions to prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens.

Tier Three HCIRs with direct access to patient care areas such as operating rooms will be additionally required to complete appropriate training in operating room protocols consistent with AORN and American College of Surgeons guidelines, as well as appropriate training in fire safety, proof of negative tests for tuberculosis and illegal drug use, and comprehensive vaccination records.

Certified HCIRs will also have to adhere to a standard code of conduct while providing Tier Two or Tier Three HCIR services at a health care facility.

New Jersey is one of the first states to consider this type of legislation. AORN will continue to monitor the legislation and provide updates to members. For more information about legislation in your state, visit My State.