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Threats of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis; bioterrorism, such as anthrax; the spread of infectious diseases; and the raised threat of airborne radiation add up to a demanding job for environmental health, safety, and security managers.

In addition to facing these issues, environmental health, safety, and security professionals must stay focused on the underlying goal—to protect workers and patients from hazards present in the everyday healthcare setting.

Recognizing these challenges, ECRI Institute’s® Center for Healthcare Environmental Management™ (CHEM™) announces an upcoming Healthcare Environmental Manager™ (HEM™) certification course. 

This certification program—the only course dedicated exclusively to environmental health, safety, and security professionals in the healthcare industry—is being offered from August 22-26, 2011 in Wauwatosa, WI.

The week-long class covers compliance with standards from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as emergency preparedness, infection control, and best practices for reducing the risk of staff and patient injury and loss of property. It also addresses Joint Commission requirements.

Upon passing the examination, students are certified as Healthcare Environmental Managers and may use the professional designation “HEM.” This earned certification is recognized nationwide by hospitals, health systems, insurance providers, consultants, professional organizations, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Indian Health Service, and others. 

“The CHEM course provides a comprehensive review of safety issues specific to health care that as an environmental health and safety professional I found extremely valuable. The class helped me gain additional expertise in this important facet of health care,” said Tracy Robles, director of environmental risk for Sutter Health.

The 2011 HEM certification courses have been approved for continuing education credits by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, among other organizations. In addition, attendees who successfully complete the course may be eligible to receive continuing education credits by the association, board, or university/college of the attendee’s choice.

Source: ECRI Institute