Which document must be verified through the direct source according to NCQA?

According to NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) standards, licensure must be verified through the direct source. This means that medical services management professionals are required to obtain and confirm licensure directly from the issuing authority or relevant professional board. This is crucial as it ensures that the practitioner has met all the necessary qualifications and legal requirements to practice in their field, thus safeguarding patient safety and care quality.

Licensure verification is particularly important because it helps to prevent fraud or misrepresentation of a physician's or provider's qualifications. While other documents, such as employment history, board certifications, and professional education transcripts, are also important for the overall credentialing process, they do not necessarily require direct-source verification in the same way licensure does. Therefore, false information in these areas might not present the same level of risk as inaccurate licensure data, which can directly impact a provider's ability to practice legally.