Published 7/30/2025
The AAOS Committee on Healthcare Safety recently reaffirmed its position statement on the Delineation of Clinical Privileges in Orthopaedic Surgery, reinforcing its stance that clinical privileges should be granted based on an individual’s qualifications rather than solely on professional title. The reaffirmation underscores AAOS’ commitment to ensuring high standards in orthopaedic surgical care.
Orthopaedic surgery is a highly specialized field requiring extensive education, training, and experience. Orthopaedic surgeons complete rigorous residency programs accredited by the Residency Review Committee for Orthopaedic Surgery, equipping them with the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders across all patient populations. Their training includes comprehensive knowledge of surgical and non-surgical treatments for conditions affecting the extremities, spine, and associated structures.
In light of the evolving complexity of medical and surgical care, the position statement emphasizes that decisions regarding clinical privileges should not be based solely on an individual’s profession but on objective criteria that evaluate their competence. Hospitals and medical staff should establish clear, standardized criteria — outlined in their medical staff bylaws — that assess an individual’s licensure, training, experience, current competence, and physical and mental health status before granting privileges.
The statement also acknowledges the variability in state laws and regulations concerning the scope of practice for physicians and other licensed practitioners. AAOS urges those responsible for delineating staff privileges to maintain a working knowledge of applicable laws.
To aid hospital staff and medical committees in making informed decisions, the statement references key resources, including The Joint Commission’s Accreditation Manual for Hospitals and the American Medical Association’s Guide for Hospital Medical Staff Bylaws and Delineation of Clinical Privileges Guide.
By reaffirming this position, AAOS continues to advocate for a competency-based approach to granting clinical privileges, ensuring that orthopaedic patients receive care from professionals whose training and expertise align with the complexity of the procedure.