With healthcare regulations constantly changing, it’s important that those who work in hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare agencies and private health organizations have the most up-to-date information available. The Pre-licensing Healthcare Risk Management Program, offered by Florida International University (FIU) College of Business, is designed to help healthcare professionals prevent, control and reduce risk in healthcare settings.
The only face-to-face class of its kind in south Florida approved by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the non-credit course is offered on Saturdays over a 15-week period. The new semester will begin in May 2012. Topics focused on in class include state risk management requirements in different healthcare settings, HIPAA, EMTALA, compliance programs on fraud and abuse, contract and legal liability exposures, credentialing, claims management, investigatory techniques and more.
Neurophysiology technician and CEO of Neurology Mobile Systems Associates Marilyn Alfaro recently finished the class and received her certification. “I chose to enroll in the program to keep myself up-to-date with the latest industry standards and to ensure that my staff was current with the new guidelines and regulations,” said Alfaro, whose business provides diagnostic testing and intraoperative monitoring in hospitals. “In addition to the benefits it provides me in my own facility, it also has the ability to open new opportunities and expand my horizons.“For example, with the risk management certification, once you are licensed, you can supervise up to four facilities, including hospitals,” she continued. “With the new guidelines coming out in 2012, all medical facilities will be required to have a certified risk manager on staff.”
Alfaro, who has been in business for 20 years and has a master’s degree, believes that continuing education is vital for those in the healthcare profession. “The risk management program emphasizes the importance of patient care and liability management,” said Alfaro. “These are critical areas in professional healthcare and Neurology Mobile excels at managing these areas.”
