IAHCSMM / ASHCSP Merger

 

THINGS TO KNOW / FAQ

MEMBERSHIP:

  • IAHCSMM will honor all current ASHCSP memberships that are not already members of IAHCSMM. A list of current and active memberships will be provided by ASHCSP and merged into the IAHCSMM database
  • All ASHCSP memberships that are valid through June 30, 2008 or earlier will be given complimentary IAHCSMM membership through April 30, 2008 / All ASHCSP memberships that are valid through July 1, 2008 or later will be given complimentary IAHCSMM membership through April 30, 2009
  • All complimentary memberships must be renewed at the end of their cycle to maintain membership in good standing with IAHCSMM
  • IAHCSMM memberships (both Active and Associate) are $40 annually, with the billing year starting with May 1st and ending April 30th of the following year
  • Submission of proper continuing education points with membership fees will also renew any held certifications

CERTIFICATION:

  • The CBSPD Technician certification (CSPDT) can be used as an equivalence of the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification provided by IAHCSMM. To transfer a current non-expired CSPDT certification to CRCST standing with IAHCSMM, complete the Alternative Certification application (click link to download) found at www.iahcsmm.org
  • The CBSPD Supervisory and Management certifications (CSPDS or CSPDM) can be used as an equivalence of the Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) certification provided by IAHCSMM, with the caveat that the individual is already a CRCST (a pre-cursor in the IAHCSMM certification ladder). If proof that the individual is already a CRCST or is also a CSPDT through CBSPD, then the Alternative Certification application (click link to download) can also be used to transfer additional certifications
  • All other certifications offered through CBSPD do not meet the requirements of IAHCSMM offerings to be successfully transferred
  • IAHCSMM offers four (4) certifications:
    • CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician), a technical exam concentrating on Central Service issues like sterilizations, decontamination, etc.
    • CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist), an identification exam concentrating on instrumentation; individuals must first be CRCST certified prior to taking the CIS exam
    • CHL (Certified Healthcare Leadership), an exam concentrating on supervisory and management issues within the workplace; individuals must first be CRCST certified prior to taking the CHL exam
    • CHMMC (Certified in Healthcare Materiels Management Concepts), an exam focusing on the material management department

  • All certification exams cost $105 per testing
  • All re-certifications cost $40 annually (due by April 30th of each year) and must include:
    • CRCST re-certifications are 12 contact hours of continuing education
    • CIS re-certifications are an additional 6 contact hours detailing continuing education on instrumentation; CHL re-certifications are an additional 6 contact hours detailing continuing education for supervisory/management issues; CHMMC re-certifications are 6 contact hours detailing continuing education in the materials management field

AWARDS

  • Those who have achieved Apex status will continue to be given advanced recognition with IAHCSMM

CONFERENCE

CHAPTER AFFILIATION

  • Starting a Chapter (click link) is easy and a step by step process is outlined on our website: www.iahcsmm.org
  • Chapters interested in becoming affiliated with IAHCSMM must have:
    1. An up-to-date set of chapter bylaws noting affiliation with IAHCSMM
    2. List of Chapter officers. All officers must be members of IAHCSMM
    3. Present list of Chapter members to determine who are recognized IAHCSMM members

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

  • Board membership is comprised of elected members (officers) and one representative from each affiliated chapter.

COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION

  • Committees and liaison representatives are listed on the website at www.iahcsmm.org. Express your interest in participating by emailing your selection to Richard Schule, IAHCSMM President.

HOW TO RECEIVE IAHCSMM BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE COMMUNIQUÉ

  • Once all ASHCSP members are converted to IAHCSMM membership, you will immediately begin to
    receive all IAHCSMM mailings, including Communique.

IAHCSMM WEBSITE

  • The IAHCSMM website, www.iahcsmm.org, is accessible to everyone. IAHCSMM remains open to sharing information and education to anyone expressing an interest. The ASHCSP website will no longer exist and will auto re-direct to the IAHCSMM website.

IAHCSMM MEMBER BENEFITS

  • Bi-monthly magazine Communiqué, becoming the only publication entirely devoted to the Central Service worker and updates current issues in the field
  • Educational materials to assist members' professional growth, introduce new people to the field, and increase public understanding about the role and significance of the Central Service profession in sterile processing, materiel support, 
    and infection control. 
  • Continuing Education Lesson Plans approved for IAHCSMM re-certification
  • Membership discounts for:
    • Annual Meeting Registrations
    • Publications
    • Merchandise
    • Continuing Education Lesson Plans (an online service at www.iahcsmm.org)
  • Affiliation discounts for publications provided by other Associations
  • Central Service/Sterile Processing Recognition Week
  • Annual Awards Program to recognize professional accomplishments and leaders in the CS profession.
  • Leadership opportunities that will advance your personal and professional development
  • IAHCSMM liaisons with AAMI, APIC, AORN, AST, and other national organizations
  • The only Annual Conference in the United States providing education to Central Service personnel featuring top industry professionals and the largest CS based exhibit display
  • Gather ideas, tricks of the trade, and resources, while creating your own network with colleagues from across the nation via the Discussion Forum (click link) at www.iahcsmm.org

PUBLICATIONS

  • Copies of Recommended Standards and Practices for Central Service can be obtained at www.aami.org.

Original Merger Press Release (Sept. 18, 2007)

View member comments to press release

back to Current Issues Home