Leadership | 01.03.24
Ethical Responsibilities as a Certified MSP
By Michelle Higgins, BA, CPCS, CPMSM
The saying “With great honor comes great responsibility” certainly applies to maintenance of the ethical responsibilities related to being a medical services professional (MSP). The medical services profession relies on MSPs upholding high ethical standards and acting in accordance with the NAMSS Code in order to serve as gatekeepers of patient safety. There are a couple ethical responsibilities that we are expected to uphold specifically related to being a CPCS® or CPMSM®-certified MSP.
Professional conduct that specifically violates the NAMSS Rules of Ethics is, “Making false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading communications to any person regarding the member’s education, training, credentials, experience or qualifications, or the status of the individual’s certification.” What does this really mean?
It is important to remember that applicants cannot claim their credentials prior to notification of passing the exam and being granted the credentials by the Certification Commission of NAMSS (CCN). The NAMSS recertification program promotes continued competence throughout a certificant’s career by requiring submission of continuing education credits every three years. In the instance that continuing education documentation and application for renewal is not submitted timely and CPCS and/or CPCSM credentials are allowed to lapse, the credentials must be removed from all signature lines, professional profiles, etc., or notated with the expiration date.
CPCS and CPMSM certifications are the gold standard for the medical services profession. The certification program has been NCCA accredited since May 6, 2008, and NAMSS certifications are the only accredited credentials for the medical services profession. To uphold the validity and security of the CPCS and CPMSM-certifications, it is also important that there are no attempts to subvert the CCN’s examination process by certificants or applicants. For more information, view NAMSS recertification resources.
Michelle Higgins, BA, CPCS, CPMSM