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    1. Sterile Processing

    Understanding the benefits of IAHCSMM certification and membership

    April 25, 2019
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    Recently, the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) passed the 30,000 certificant mark — a great accomplishment for IAHCSMM and its certificants. Some Central Service/Sterile Processing (CS/SP) professionals, however, may question whether they are just certified by IAHCSMM or whether they are also a member of the Association. They may have paid for the renewal of their annual certification, but the question may remain whether they renewed their certification or added their IAHCSMM membership.

    It is important to understand that being certified does not automatically equate to being an IAHCSMM member (and individuals do not need to be certified to enjoy all the benefits of membership). Anyone who works within a CS/SP department (Active status) or has an allied connection with the department (Associate status) can become an IAHCSMM member. Many benefits can be gained by re-certifying with the IAHCSMM membership. Recertifying with an IAHCSMM membership costs only 84 cents per month and the benefits far outweigh the $10 monthly fee.

    Those who are already a member of IAHCSMM likely can attest to the benefits, but this article may highlight benefits that some may not have known were available. I encourage those who are aware of the membership benefits to share this article with co-workers or others who may not have chosen membership at the time of their recertification, or with uncertified CS/SP professionals who will still benefit from IAHCSMM membership.

    The IAHCSMM website contains of all this information and more (www.iahcsmm.org). Those who did not select the membership option when they re-certified with IAHCSMM may do so at any time.

    Tapping membership benefits

    IAHCSMM currently offers the following five certifications: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST); Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS); Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER); Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL); and Certified Central Service Vendor Program (CCSVP). Upon passing the CRCST exam, certificants will be granted one year of complimentary IAHCSMM membership.

    IAHCSMM membership provides access to many tools CS/SP professionals need each day in their departments. What follows are some of the key features on the IAHCSMM website that are available to members:

    • Discussion Forum: The Discussion Forum is a professional, monitored open site that allows IAHCSMM members to discuss various industry-related subjects. Often, a question about a process or a request for suggestions of practice is met with numerous responses from others who are willing to share their knowledge, experience and insights.
    • PROCESS magazine: PROCESS (formerly named Communiqué) is published bi-monthly and available to all IAHCSMM members. This magazine features industry updates; lesson plans that offer continuing education credits that can be applied toward recertification; in-depth feature stories and educational columns; meeting summaries; chapter, standards and advocacy updates, and more.
    • Central Source: Because PROCESS is published bi-monthly, the bi-monthly digital publication, Central Source, is offered on opposite months to give members valuable information all year long. Central Source features expert Q&A, advocacy department updates, quality assurance- and educator-focused columns, news brief, beneficial internet links, and more. Readers can easily print the e-publication and post its contents in their department.
    • Resources: Under the Resources tab on the website, members will find an abundance of information such as sample policies, job descriptions and research papers. There is also an Online Buyers Guide to help members locate products for their department’s use. Under the Healthcare Links and Educational Resources sections, members can connect to website links for various IAHCSMM partners.
    • IAHCSMM Store: The IAHCSMM store is where members can search for and purchase certification study guides, lesson plans, reference guides, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation publications, and more. These resources are available to IAHCSMM members at a discounted rate.
    • On-Demand Webinars: Currently, 17 webinars are posted on the IAHCSMM website and that number continues to grow. These webinars are provided free to members and non-members can access them for a $15 fee. Completed webinars will be submitted toward annual re-certification.
    • Career Center: Members can access the Career Center and search for open jobs within the profession, free of charge. They may also post job openings for their facility for a nominal fee.
    • Annual Conference: Each year at the IAHCSMM Annual Conference & Expo, quality- and education-focused attendees arrive hungry for knowledge and ready to seek answers to the challenges they face in the workplace. Conference registration for IAHCSMM members is offered at a discounted rate.
    • Scholarships: The IAHCSMM website offers members an opportunity to be awarded scholarships offered by IAHCSMM and/or sponsored by partner vendors. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who stand out for their hard work delivered each day.
    • Chapter Events: The website allows users (members and non-members alike) to research their local IAHCSMM chapter, seek out their next meeting and/or review the chapter’s upcoming events. With over 65 IAHCSMM chapters across the world, there is one waiting for you to come and join.
    • Committee Involvement: IAHCSMM members currently working in a CS/SP setting have the opportunity to serve on committees within the organization. IAHCSMM is always seeking professionals who can share their knowledge and expertise and contribute by participating in various committees.
    • Voting: IAHCSMM members may vote during elections, as well as for bylaws revisions and more. Rest assured, your voice does count. 
    About the Author

    Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL

    Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, is Central Service Manager at The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also serves as IAHCSMM’s President (2019-2020).