Guidelines for privileges in arthroscopic surgery.

This report sets forth flexible guidelines to be used by hospitals or surgery centers to define privileges in arthroscopic surgery. The Arthroscopy Association of North America recognizes that the completion of a residency program, fellowship training, or hands-on workshop does not, per se, guarantee competence in arthroscopic surgery. The demonstration of an applicant's technical and motor skills by direct observation is a vital component of the credentialing process. Threshold criteria of state licensure, completion of surgical residency training, documentation of prior experience, and existing orthopaedic surgical privileges are defined. Levels of complexity of arthroscopic procedures are divided as basic and advanced.