Updates to APRN (CNP and CNS) Credentialing Process

September 27, 2019

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) is in the process of updating its Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) (Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) and Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS)) credentialing process to follow the national Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education.

BCBSOK reviews the following elements as part of its criteria when considering an APRN's application for network participation and credentialing:

  • Licensing
  • A description of the APRN's current practice (Sections 3, 7 and/or 8 of the Uniform Credentialing Application)
  • Details regarding certification, training and education (Sections 5 and 10 of the Uniform Credential Application)
  • Sponsorship for Prescriptive Authority (if applicable)
  • Copies of the BNDD and CDS and a Curriculum Vitae (Section 12 of the Uniform Credentialing Application)

Generally, an APRN's education and certification specialty must align with his/her scope of practice. The practice location of the APRN should be consistent with both the population focus and area of emphasis/specialty (if applicable) listed on his/her license.

Please review the Network Participation section of the BCBSOK Provider web portal for more information on how to join our networks and how to submit your application for credentialing.