What starts as a simple employment verification request can quickly turn into something riskier. As hospitals dig deeper during physician credentialing, HR professionals are increasingly faced with forms that ask for more than just facts—venturing into judgment calls about clinical skills, professionalism, and “potential concerns.”

These requests may seem routine, but they can carry real legal and reputational risk if not handled carefully.

The article explores:

• Why credentialing committees are asking broader, more subjective questions and why that matters.
• How employers can inadvertently cross the line from verification into evaluation.
• The legal implications of providing (or declining to provide) certain information, especially in states recognizing negligent credentialing claims.

Key takeaways for HR and healthcare employers:

• Stick to the facts. Limit responses to verifiable employment information unless legally obligated otherwise.
• Review carefully. If a form requests opinions or judgments, consult legal counsel before responding.
• Avoid speculation. Even well-meaning comments can create defamation or liability issues.
• Know your role. HR’s job is verification, not assessment of clinical competence.

Bottom line: Credentialing is critical but so is protecting your organization. When forms blur boundaries, pause, review, and respond after consulting counsel. Read the full article to explore how HR can navigate these requests without overstepping—and why the safest answer is often the simplest.