Credentialing for senior medical staff

The Department of Health works closely with senior doctors and clinicians across the public health system to drive continuous improvements in the delivery of safe, high-quality clinical care.

Since 2007, the department has developed a range of policies and initiatives to encourage health services to build stronger relationships with their senior medical staff, and to actively involve them in the improvement of their shared clinical practice.

Initiatives include a formal credentialling process for verifying the qualifications and experience of senior medical staff, This process ensures their competence and capability to provide high-quality services in specific clinical environments.

The credentialling process is based on Victoria’s policy for credentialling and defining the scope of clinical practice for medical practitioners, which was developed by an independent Clinical Engagement Advisory Group in consultation with senior doctors, medical associations and specialist medical colleges.

Credentialing - overview

All senior clinical staff who have an independent responsibility for patient care must be appropriately credentialled and have their scope of clinical practice defined according to strict statewide guidelines.

Credentialing and scope of clinical practice for senior medical practitioners policy

This policy, from Safer Care, details Victorian requirements for senior medical practitioner credentialing and scope of clinical practice.

Credentialling of eligible midwives

Victoria’s credentialling policy and implementation framework provides guidance for public hospitals wishing to accommodate registered private midwives.

Credentialling of dentists

Victoria has specific credentialling requirements for health services wishing to employ private dentists or enable private dentists to use their facilities.

Credentialling of healthcare professionals in residential aged care

The department provides guidelines to support the credentialling and defining the scope of practice of doctors who work in public sector residential aged care facilities.

Partnering for performance - a framework for collaboration

Partnering for Performance provides a range of practical tools and integrated strategies to help health services and their senior doctors work together to improve the standard and delivery of their clinical care.

Reviewed 16 July 2024

Health.vic

Contact details

Consumer Partnerships and Quality Standards Department of Health

Phone 03 9096 6176