When must an employee's skills and knowledge be verified and documented?

Verifying and documenting an employee's skills and knowledge is crucial before they provide any level of physical or behavioral health services. This process ensures that the individual possesses the necessary qualifications, competencies, and understanding of relevant procedures and protocols to safely and effectively perform their duties.

In this context, the emphasis is on the requirement for competency as it directly impacts patient care and safety. Ensuring that employees meet established criteria for their roles before engaging in service delivery protects both the patients receiving care and the institution from potential liabilities arising from inadequate training or unqualified personnel.

The other timing options do not align with the immediate need for verification related to patient care. While hiring and application stages are important, the most critical moment for this verification to occur is right before service delivery, as this ensures readiness and compliance with care standards. Annual performance reviews might involve assessment and documentation of ongoing competency, but they are not the initial verification process required to ensure safety when an employee begins providing care.