Leadership

Applying for NAMSS Continuing Education Credits

By Julie A. Hatley, BS, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP

The Accreditation Sub-Committee is tasked with the review of applications for NAMSS continuing education credit for educational programs. The Sub-Committee meets monthly, and we have a process for reviewing and approving applications between meetings. Applications that are complete and clearly meet eligibility requirements may be approved between meetings.

The following reminders will help the Sub-Committee provide a prompt response to your application for NAMSS continuing education.

1. Read the Accreditation Policy. A review of the policy, including a review of what qualifies or does not qualify for credit, will help you as you submit your application for credit. Visit the NAMSS website, under the Education Tab you will find the CE Program Accreditation Center. The Accreditation Center provides all of the information you need to know to submit and attain credit for your program.
2. Apply early, but no less than 30 days in advance. Thirty days is a minimum! If you want to be able to advertise or promote a session with approved NAMSS CE, you should plan to apply well in advance of 30 days!
3. If you submit a timed agenda, which is very helpful for the Sub-Committee, please be sure that we can identify the length of each session, including the last session of the day.
4. The number of hours of instruction should align with the number of credits requested.
5. Remember, credit is not granted for lunch, breaks, networking, receptions, entertainment, or any other time that is not instructional or does not include defined learning objectives.
6. If your application contains initials or acronyms, please remember that they may not be familiar to the Sub-Committee and we may need to reach out to you for additional information, which could delay your application.

While there are many healthcare related topics that are of interest to MSPs, or that may enhance the professional knowledge of the MSP, they may not be eligible for NAMSS CE. If a session topic is broad, the Sub-Committee may need additional information that will demonstrate that the target audience is the MSP, and that the session content applies specifically to the MSP role.

Programs that are specific to an organization or entity are not eligible for NAMSS credit. For example, a Medical Staff Leadership Retreat or orientation that includes specific sessions addressing the entity’s strategic plan, review or implementing the entity peer review policy, or process for consolidating bylaws enterprise-wide are not eligible.

Safety programs, such as Active Shooter training, are not eligible.

Advertising for a program may not include any reference to NAMSS continuing education until the application has been approved and outcome communicated to you. Any phrases or wording that implies that an application will be submitted or is pending with NAMSS for credit are also prohibited. Please submit your application for credit well in advance so that you can include the approved credits in your notices and advertising.

Roundtables and networking sessions are only eligible for credit when the following conditions are met:  the session has a leader, speaker or facilitator; the session includes a period of instruction; and the session includes defined learning objectives.

We strive to provide a quick response on all applications for continuing education credit and look forward to reviewing your submission.