ACA Introduces New Health Services Administrator Certification

The American Correctional Association is proud to announce its newest level of professional certification - certified health services administrator (CHSA). The purpose of ACA's certification program is to provide a national method by which individuals can gain recognition as qualified corrections practitioners. The program is designed to advance the overall knowledge level of corrections professionals. Certification demonstrates commitment to one's career; demonstrates mastery of knowledge and skills; enhances the professional's level of expertise by encouraging continuing education; and promotes personal pride and self-fulfillment.

The program consists of a selfstudy period of several months, which culminates in a 200-question, fourhour proctored examination consisting of multiple choice and true/false questions. Additionally, there is a continuing education requirement for those who become certified corrections professionals. The CHSA certification program combines world-class scholarship with engaging texts. The certification curriculum also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when approaching current correctional health care management issues. Areas covered in the program include: leadership skills; ACA's performancebased health care standards; performance management; security issues; legal issues; the historical evolution of correctional health care delivery and health care delivery models; and trends and issues in correctional health care.

The test includes more leadershiprelated questions on the CHSA examination than questions from any other category. Questions from the leadership subject area will test the applicant's understanding of how to establish and promote a vision for the organization; how to employ strategic planning to identify organizational priorities; how to develop consensus building management approaches; and how to employ effective, interactive communication skills. The applicant will also be evaluated on his or her understanding of inspiring staff to perform at the highest level of capability and developing positive external relationships and partnerships.

Additional questions on the CHSA examination will cover the following categories: health care standards, performance management and security. Questions pertaining to ACA's health care standards will assess the applicant's understanding of both the real-world application of ACA's performance-based standards and the accreditation process. Questions pertaining to performance management will test the applicant's knowledge of developing performance-based management reports, identifying and developing future organizational leaders, and facilitating change. Questions pertaining to security will assess the applicant's understanding of inmate management philosophy and staff/ inmate relationships, maintaining logs and reports, and ensuring the safe operation of the medical department.

The remaining questions on the CHSA examination concern legal issues; current trends and issues in correctional health care; the historical evolution of correctional health care delivery; and health care delivery models. Questions pertaining to legal issues will test the applicant's knowledge of correctional law - specifically basic inmate rights, deliberate indifference, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Americans with Disabilities Act issues. Questions pertaining to current trends and issues in correctional health care will test the applicant's knowledge of key elements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, budget preparation and planning, and the coordination of mental health services and specialized programming. Questions pertaining to the historical evolution of correctional health care delivery and health care delivery models will test the applicant's knowledge of epidemiology, wellness and the management of infectious diseases.

To qualify for the CHSA certification examination, an applicant must be a licensed registered nurse with three years of experience; must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in a health-related field or a bachelor's degree in business or health management; and must possess a minimum of three years experience as a health services administrator. Becoming a CHSA provides an individual with the opportunity to stand out as a mentor, a leader and as one of the best within the corrections community.

Certification demonstrates commitment to one's career; demonstrates mastery of knowledge and skills ...

Jason Oosterwijk is ACA 's certification manager. He can be contacted at [email protected] or (703) 224-0175 for more information on ACA's certification program.