privileges /priv″ilij′əs/ [L, privilegium, private law] , authority granted to a physician or dentist by a hospital governing board to provide patient care in the hospital. Clinical privileges are limited by the individual’s professional license, experience, and competence. Emergency privileges may be granted by a hospital governing board or chief executive officer in an emergency and without regard to the physician’s or dentist’s regular service assignment or status. Temporary privileges may be granted a physician or dentist to provide health care to patients for a limited period or to a specific patient.
