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IAHCSMM Believes We are All Patients

Though the Advocacy department, IAHCSMM maintains one clear voice to create legislative/regulatory changes to ensure every patient has an educated, certified Sterile Processing technician responsible for reprocessing his or her instruments. IAHCSMM’s dedicated and focused advocacy efforts for required certification of Sterile Processing technicians promotes quality healthcare, reduces the risk of healthcare associated infections, and ensures successful patient care.

IAHCSMM's Advocacy Initiatives

Introduction

IAHCSMM is a vigorous advocate for Sterile Processing professionals and patients in state legislatures across the country. IAHCSMM's top legislative priority is to ensure that there are certified Sterile Processing technicians in every healthcare facility in every state. Currently, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee are the only states to require certification of Sterile Processing technicians.

The Advocacy department of IAHCSMM formulates a legislative/regulatory strategy for educating state-elected officials on the critical role of Sterile Processing professionals by developing and carrying out state grassroots lobbying efforts, coordinating meetings with state legislators, governors, and agency officials, and testifying at state legislative and regulatory hearings. Additionally, the Advocacy department is committed to building coalitions of support with other associations in order to create a stronger voice and greater advocacy momentum.

Legislative Efforts

Certification Issues
SP Week Proclamations

Advocacy Committee Member Responsibilities

IAHCSMM National Advocacy Committee

There are six members of the National Advocacy Committee.  Five members are in a different geographic areas of the country and represent ten states and one member is at large.  Regions include:

  1. Region 1 = CT, DE, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI and VT
  2. Region 2 = AL, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA/DC and WV
  3. Region 3 = IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NE, ND, OH, SD and WI
  4. Region 4 = AZ, CO, KS, LA, MS, MO, NM, OK and TX
  5. Region 5 = AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY
  6. Member at Large
Criteria for Servicing on Committee
  • Must be an IAHCSMM member
  • Must demonstrate interest or willingness to learn about public policy
  • Become familiar with IAHCSMM's public policy issues and resources
  • Be available to participate in monthly conference calls
Committee Responsibilities
  • Oversee the legislative/regulatory issues in his/her assigned ten states
  • Participate in monthly conference calls
  • Edit government affairs documents
  • Edit legislation
  • Help answer questions from elected officials
  • Participate in action alerts sent out via email
  • Help with International Central Service week campaign

Advocacy Committee Representatives

IAHCSMM Director of Government Affairs
Josephine Colacci, Esq.
Region 1
(Blue)
Karen Nauss, CRCST
Region 2
(Rust)
Steve J. Adams, RN, BA, CRCST
Region 3
(Yellow)
Lori Ferrer, BS, CST, CRCST
Region 4
(Green)
Damien S. Berg, BS, BA, CRCST
Region 5
(Purple)
Don Williams, CRCST, CHL

 

 

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Contact IAHCSMM's Director of Government Affairs

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This commitment to advancing Sterile Processing knowledge, skill sets and professionalism is why over 37,000 members and certificants rely on IAHCSMM to keep them sharp, focused and abreast of the very latest standards, best practices and technological advancements impacting the SP profession.

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