JCR Launches Joint Commission Certified Accreditation Professional(TM) Program


OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL--(Marketwire - May 9, 2012) - Joint Commission Resources (JCR) today announced the launch of the Joint Commission Certified Accreditation Professional ™ (JCCAP™) program. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.

This new professional certification program is designed to provide accreditation professionals with distinguishing recognition and credentials and to enhance the skills and expertise of those professionals responsible for planning, leading, and executing accreditation compliance activities within their health care organization, specifically hospitals, at this launch.

JCCAP is specifically for Joint Commission accreditation professionals and is the only certification program endorsed by The Joint Commission and designed and developed by experts from Joint Commission Resources and The Joint Commission. The new program is launching in response to customer demand for a credible, robust professional recognition from The Joint Commission.

To attain the JCCAP credential, a professional must pass an examination on topics such as understanding The Joint Commission accreditation process and the standards. The exam also focuses on the standards areas of Medical Staff, Environment of Care and Leadership, as well as patient safety and ongoing performance and organizational analysis. The exam also covers the requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services related to hospitals.

"Joint Commission certified accreditation professionals will be better prepared to lead and direct accreditation activities," says Ann Scott Blouin, Ph.D., R.N., FACHE, executive vice president, Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. "Professional certification is an important next step in professional growth and demonstrates knowledge of performance improvement methods, leadership skills, and accreditation problem-solving for standards compliance."

JCCAP eligibility requirements include:

  • Baccalaureate degree or higher and current employment at a hospital, health care organization or system for a minimum of two years; or an associate's degree or RN and five years experience in an accreditation preparation, assistance, coordination, management or maintenance role
  • Applicant's current job description
  • Letter confirming current position and responsibilities from an organization executive
  • Maintaining certification requires at least 30 JCR continuing education credits during the three-year certification period, or successfully completing the recertification exam and attaining at least 10 continuing education credits.

Interested professionals can apply for JCCAP beginning September 5, 2012, and the first exam will be offered in January 2013 (and quarterly thereafter in April, July, and October). The cost of certification, including application processing and the sitting fee for the exam, is $375. The cost for recertification after a three year period is $350.

For more information about the JCCAP program, please visit www.jcrinc.com/jccap, or email jccap@jcrinc.com.

Joint Commission Resources (JCR), a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission, is the official publisher and educator of The Joint Commission. JCR is an expert resource for health care organizations, providing consulting services, educational services and publications to assist in improving quality and safety and to help in meeting the accreditation standards of The Joint Commission. JCR provides consulting services independently from The Joint Commission and in a fully confidential manner. Please visit our Web site at www.jcrinc.com.

View the multi-media news release: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2012/joint_commission/jccap/

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Eaken Zhani
Media Relations Manager
630.792.5914