Unfortunately, fraud is a reality in the healthcare industry. From false debt collection calls to fake charities using the same designation, it’s hard to make sense of what’s safe and legitimate. However, one clear thing is that seeing a licensed healthcare provider is safer than visiting one without a license. Healthcare license lookup is an important step that many people tend to overlook.
Don’t put your health and well-being in the hands of someone with questionable skills — don’t make this oversight yourself!
Read on to find out the dangers of skipping this step.
Why It’s Important To Check Health Care Licenses
It is always important to check a healthcare provider’s license before receiving any treatment.
This is because a license indicates that the provider has met the minimum requirements for safety and care. Without a license, there is no guarantee that the provider is qualified to perform the procedures they claim to be able to do.
Additionally, checking a healthcare license can help to ensure that the provider is up-to-date on the latest techniques and standards of care.
The Risks of Not Checking Healthcare Licenses
There are many risks associated with not checking the healthcare licenses of the professionals you see for medical care. One is that you could be seeing someone not properly qualified to provide you with the care you need. This could lead to serious health complications or even death in some cases.
Here are other risks you should be aware of:
Not All Doctors Are Licensed
Unlicensed doctors may not have the proper training or skills to provide quality care. They may also be more likely to commit medical malpractice. Unlicensed doctors have sometimes been known to commit insurance fraud or prescribe drugs illegally.
If you choose not to check the licensing history of your healthcare providers, you could be putting yourself at risk. These histories may include criminal records, malpractice suits, or other disciplinary actions.
Unlicensed Providers May Not Be Insured
Unlicensed providers may not be insured, meaning that if something goes wrong during your treatment, you may not be able to get compensation. This could leave you with a serious financial burden.
You Could Be at Risk for Infection
If you go to a healthcare facility that employs unlicensed staff, you could be at risk for infection.
This is because unlicensed staff may not have the proper training to prevent the spread of infection. They may also be more likely to make mistakes when handling hazardous materials.
Different Types of Healthcare Licenses and Certifications
Some standard licenses and certifications for healthcare positions include basic life support certification, CPR certification, medical assistant certification, and Registered Nurse licensure.
Depending on the state you live in, there may be additional licenses and certifications required.
Important Licenses That Patients Should Check
The list of licenses a healthcare provider should have varies by state, but some common licenses to check for include: a license to practice medicine, a license to prescribe medication, and a license to provide therapy.
Each of these licenses represents a different level of care and expertise.
Steps in Healthcare License Validation
If you are concerned about an individual’s status or the agency’s licensing, you should know how to verify those things. We want to ensure the facility operates to the standard we expect.
Check if the Healthcare License Is Valid and Up to Date
The first step is to check with the licensing board or organization that issued the license. They will be able to tell you if the license is valid and if there have been any disciplinary actions against the licensee.
Make Sure the Healthcare License Is Accredited
You can check if the license is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
These organizations ensure that licensure boards meet rigorous standards.
Find Out if the Healthcare License Is Applicable to Your State
The state’s licensing board will be able to tell you what the requirements are for healthcare licenses in your state. They will also be able to tell you if the person you are looking to hire is licensed in your state.
Use a Third-party Service
Another way is to use a third-party service like MedPro Systems® WebID. These services will typically charge a fee, but they will do all the work for you.
All you need to do is provide them with the name and state of the person you want to check.
Ask for Referrals
You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, and your primary care physician. You can also check the healthcare provider’s credentials on their website or through an online search.
What To Do if You Suspect a Healthcare Provider Is Not Licensed
If you suspect a healthcare provider is not licensed, you should report this to your state’s licensing board or health department. You can also contact your state’s attorney general’s office to file a complaint. Remember, it is essential to act quickly.
Not checking license status can put patients at risk of receiving substandard care. In some states, it is illegal to practice healthcare without a license.
Healthcare License Lookup Can Save Your Life
Without taking time for healthcare license lookup, we blindly trust that these healthcare providers are who they say they are and are qualified to practice. This lack of due diligence on our part can lead to devastating consequences.
Checking healthcare licenses is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Don’t take the risk of not checking!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs!