CHEM certification course helps train healthcare environmental safety and security managers 

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA—Threats of an influenza pandemic, bioterrorism, and natural disasters add up to a demanding job for environmental health, safety, and security (EHS&S) managers. In addition to facing these issues, EHS&S professionals must stay focused on the underlying goal—to protect workers and patients from hazards present in the everyday healthcare setting.

Recognizing these challenges, ECRI Institute’s® Center for Healthcare Environmental Management™ (CHEM™) announces an upcoming date for its Healthcare Environmental Manager™ (HEM™) certification course. This certification program—the only course dedicated exclusively to EHS&S professionals in the healthcare industry—is being offered from April 12-16, 2010, at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, Plano, TX.

The five day course covers compliance with standards from Joint Commission, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  The course provides best practices in emergency management, infection control, and reducing the risk of staff and patient injury and loss of property.

Upon passing the examination, students are certified as Healthcare Environmental Managers and may use the professional designation “HEM.” This earned certification is recognized nationwide by hospitals, health systems, insurance providers, consultants, professional organizations, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Indian Health Service, and others.

“The trainers and the material covered were excellent. The sessions were very educational and interactive. Programs like CHEM put managers on top of their game,” says Eddie Rodriguez, HEM, Director of Facilities, Morris Heights Health Center, Bronx, NY.

The 2010 HEM certification courses have been approved for continuing education credits by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, among other organizations. In addition, attendees who successfully complete the course may be eligible to receive continuing education credits by the association, board, or university/college of the attendee’s choice.

Please refer to the CHEM page for further details of this course. A discounted registration is available for ECRI Institute member organizations and to other participating organizations. Please contact CHEM for more details. Fees cover the five day course, examination, study materials, lunches, and a CHEM eNews© subscription.

Facilities interested in hosting the course should contact education@ecri.org. More information can be obtained by visiting www.ecri.org/chem_certification, contacting ECRI Institute’s circulation department at circulation2@ecri.org or +1 (610) 825-6000, extension 5889, or by mailing ECRI Institute, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.