PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA-Threats of influenza pandemic, bioterrorism, and natural disasters add up to a demanding job for environmental health, safety, and security (EHS&S) managers. In addition to facing these issues, EHS&S 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 its December 2007 Healthcare Environmental Manager (HEM) certification course.

This certification program-the only course dedicated exclusively to EHS&S professionals in the healthcare industry-is being offered December 10-14, at Chesapeake Region Safety Council in Baltimore, MD.
The week-long class covers compliance with standards from CDC, EPA, OSHA, and NRC, 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 2007 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 for acceptance of continuing education credits by the association, board, or university/college of the attendee's choice.

CHEM is a national professional organization dedicated to improving patient and worker safety through research, education, and certification in the disciplines that define healthcare environmental health, safety, and security. CHEM is sponsored by ECRI Institute (www.ecri.org), an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving patient care.