Credentialing - consider taking this opportunity to receive the recognition you deserve

What is credentialling?

Credentialling is the establishment of a self-regulatory process instituted by the appropriate professional body to determine and acknowledge that an individual has demonstrated the prescribed competence of the relevant specialist nursing role.

Credentialling:

• designates specialist or advanced expertise;
• informs consumers;
• establishes a national standard;
• promotes career advancement;
• identifies a community of experts;
• contributes to qualifications for independent practice;
• enhances the quality of care provided; and
• assists employers to manage risk.

Only AICA members can apply to become a credentialled ICP

Costs

The costs associated with obtaining your credential have been set by the AICA Executive. Please note that members of the Committee are not paid, their time is generously given as a contribution to the profession. The fees are as follows:

• Initial Payment of $100.00 which must accompany the credentialling application
• Second Payment of $100.00 within 30 days of notification that your application has been successful

NB: These fees are subject to change. Fees are payable via cheque or money order only and payable to AICA Inc. The 1st fee will not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful. If successful you will be provided with an official certificate of Credential once the 2nd payment has been received.

The Credentialling Committee

The AICA Credentialling Committee was formed in 2000 & is made up of credentialled Infection Control Professionals and reports to the AICA executive.

The overall responsibilities of the Committee are:

• To develop, maintain and co ordinate a standardised, professional credentialling process for Australian Infection Control professionals.
• To establish and maintain for key stake holders including the general public a database identifying a community of experts in the discipline of Infection Control.
• To assist in providing a framework for career advancement for Australian Infection Control Professionals.

The full Committee comprises six members. The current Committee is:

Deborough MacBeth (Chairperson)
Rosie Lee
Sue Greig
Kathy Dempsey
Matt Mason
Ramon Shaban

Background

Credentialling is the establishment of a self-regulatory process instituted by the professional body to determine and acknowledge that an individual has demonstrated the prescribed competence of the relevant specialist nursing role. The process of credentialling designates specialist or advanced expertise; informs consumers; establishes a national standard; promotes career advancement; identifies a community of experts; contributes to qualifications for independent practice; enhances the quality of care provided; and assists employers to manage risk.

To date only a small number of AICA members have become credentialled but with impending Australian healthcare reforms and initiatives of the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in healthcare (ACQSHC) being introduced more ICP's are likely to apply to ensure they are appropriately qualified to implement these tool kits and, to meet changing accreditation standards. Credentialling enhances the profile of infection control professionals as a group, and has positive benefits at a personal and professional level by demonstrating to employers a commitment to, and recognised expertise in, the prevention and control of infection.

Why is credentialling important to AICA?

In summary it is timely that we should be revisiting the need and requirement for experienced ICP's to undertake the process for the following reasons:

• AICA is working closely with the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Healthcare (ACQSHC) on a number of initiatives including the scope of practice and professional development of ICP's so that they are better equipped to undertake the proposed projects such as the implementation of prevention strategies (toolkits)
• The NHMRC Infection Control guidelines are currently being reviewed. There is an expectation that the role and scope of the ICP will be included and, will contain criteria for what is required for an ICP to run a program. In addition the Commission has tendered a project regarding Scope of Practice of the Australian ICP that will add weight to the arguments we have already put forward.
• There have been preliminary discussions with ACHS to have a credentialled ICP coordinating the program as a requirement under EQuIP 4.
• Due to a lack of documented career structure, and definitions around the role of the ICP there is a real need to provide some sort of assessment for ICP's working independently or as part of a team and providing expert infection control advice. To date there have been no basic qualification and training requirements for ICP's which begs the question how competent are ICP's to practice in their health service/area?
• The self regulating nature of this process (which is voluntary) will hopefully encourage professionally minded ICP's to join their peers in undertaking the process. Other bodies have had this process forced upon them by external regulatory bodies which is something we would like to avoid. Further to this with the revised National Nursing Board structure proposed there are considerations regarding the ICP's ability to demonstrate competence as a nurse. A proactive approach to self-regulation, supported by the Association and membership, that ensures ICP's are well equipped for the positions they hold, will provide the necessary evidence around currency of practice to support re-registration (AICA is currently liaising with the ACNM and following the NNB developments closely for this reason)

Process:

• The credentialling process aims to assess, through a peer review process, the individual's knowledge and skills in a number of key areas
• Individuals with a masters level qualification receive some exemptions (points) however, there are other components of the package that the applicant is required to address including a comprehensive curriculum vitae that is reviewed to substantiate claims made in the package.
• The credentialling committee corroborates via contact with the applicants nominated referees and through telephone interviews the information provided by the applicant

In summary, the more ICPs that become credentialled, the more natural the process will become. It would be reasonable to assume that in time employers come to expect that their ICP is credentialed and independently assessed by a peer reviewed process and panel. This will also assist with performance reviews and appropriate career structure.