Members Only | 12.09.20
Utilizing NAMSS Certification During COVID-19
By Amanda A. Meekins, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS
In the last eight months, COVID-19 has pushed healthcare to its limits and changed what is expected of MSPs in every state. During this time I, like most MSPs, have been expected to have a firm plan to initiate disaster credentialing, understand how to appropriately implement 1135 waivers, and help coordinate the expansion of our telehealth program. More so than ever, facing the unique challenges presented as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of my CPCS and CPMSM certifications. I have come to truly appreciate how valuable the tools I gathered along my path to NAMSS certification are while navigating this unknown terrain.
Like many MSPs, I initially created a disaster credentialing process for my facility years ago and put the information on a shelf, hoping I would never need it. When it became clear most facilities would need to implement disaster credentialing of some type, I found the resources and the connections I made throughout test preparation and participating in CCN activities were invaluable to ensure the current process still reflected best practices.
At the beginning of March, CMS implemented the 1135 waiver with many tools including those specific to acute care medical staff functions. By working with our quality department to quickly review the applicable 1135 waivers, we were able to modify our credentialing process to allow approval extensions for appropriate files within both our accrediting body standards and the 1135 waiver. Knowing the importance of documentation supporting deviations from standard practice was critical, as we were faced with the added difficulty of obtaining appropriate verifications and reports while many MSPs had been asked to work from home, reduce hours, or take time off completely.
Before the CMS expansion of telemedicine use, the telemedicine program in my small, rural facility was narrowed and quickly became a high priority. With a limited amount of time to expand our services, my knowledge of current accrediting body requirements helped our telemedicine team implement changes that could be sustained long after we met our immediate needs.
Preparing for and obtaining CPCS and CPMSM certifications has helped me continue to expand my understanding beyond the medical staff department. As subject matter experts in our field, it will become increasingly important to understand all aspects of the healthcare environment. Expanding our knowledge beyond our current roles will only help as we are expected to work with other departments or facilities to continue creating change. Although the last year has been challenging, to say the least, I look forward to seeing how healthcare changes for the better as a result.
Amanda A. Meekins, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS, lives and works in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She is a member of the NAMSS CCN Board and works as the director of medical staff services at St. John’s Health.