Healthcare Compliance Certification Is Within Your Reach

Healthcare compliance is a critical part of any organization’s business model. The professionals who manage compliance are the front lines of preventing medical errors, deterring fraud, and staying in good standing with federal payers like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to become certified in healthcare compliance and what it brings to your hospital, ambulatory surgery center (ASC), clinic, or practice.

The Road to Compliance Certification Preparation

Becoming certified in healthcare compliance typically involves a combination of education, training, and passing a certification exam. Here are the general steps to become healthcare compliance certified:

Preparation

Educational Background: Most certified healthcare compliance professionals have a background in healthcare, law, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, nursing, business, or a similar discipline is often preferred.

Gain Relevant Experience: It’s essential to gain practical experience in healthcare compliance or a related field. This experience can be obtained through internships, entry-level positions, or working in healthcare settings.

Specialized Training: Consider taking specialized training courses or attending workshops focused on healthcare compliance. Many organizations and institutions offer compliance-related training programs.

Certification Exam

Choose a Certification: There are several recognized healthcare compliance certifications available. Some of the most widely recognized certifications include:

Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) offered by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).
Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) offered by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB).
Certified Healthcare Compliance Officer (CHCO) offered by the American Institute of Healthcare Compliance (AIHC).

Meet Eligibility Requirements: Each certification has specific eligibility requirements, which may include a certain amount of work experience in healthcare compliance. Make sure you meet these requirements before applying for the certification.

Prepare for the Exam: Study for the certification exam by using recommended study materials, attending review courses, or joining study groups. The exams typically cover topics related to healthcare laws, regulations, and compliance practices.

Take the Certification Exam: Register for the certification exam and take it at an approved testing center. The format and content of the exam will vary depending on the certification you choose.

Pass the Exam: Achieve a passing score on the certification exam to earn your certification. The passing score may vary depending on the certification organization.

Continuing Education

Maintain Certification: To maintain your certification, you may need to complete continuing education requirements, such as attending conferences, workshops, or courses related to healthcare compliance.

Stay Informed: The field of healthcare compliance is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about changes in regulations and best practices.

Technology Helps Compliance Officers Shine

For compliance officers, MedTrainer software can streamline the training process and organize documents and policies to make a difference. When compliance officers don’t have to manually remind every staff member to complete a required OSHA course or remember to update the HIPAA policies annually, they can spend more time on other projects that will reduce the organization’s risk.

View this checklist for more tips on how to shine as a healthcare compliance officer.