The process of establishing the qualifications of certified and licensed medical professionals and assessing their background and legitimacy is:

The correct answer is credentialing. This process involves the systematic evaluation of a medical professional's qualifications, which includes reviewing their education, training, experience, and any certifications or licenses they hold. Credentialing is essential in ensuring that healthcare providers meet the necessary standards to deliver safe and effective care to patients.

In the context of healthcare, credentialing typically includes verifying the individual's professional history and qualifications through documentation and primary source verification. This step is crucial for maintaining high standards within healthcare facilities and for protecting patient safety.

While verifying plays a role in credentialing (it is part of the overall process), it doesn't encompass the entire scope of what credentialing entails. Certification refers specifically to the formal recognition that a medical professional has met specific standards or qualifications, often related to a specialty, but it does not cover all aspects of their background and legitimacy. Registration involves officially recording a professional’s information with a regulatory body, which is also part of the licensing process but does not encompass the full evaluation associated with credentialing.