Generally, all industries and organizations’ gold standard would be the highest productivity, well-managed and minimal risks, while providing impeccable customer service.
These goals compounded with intensifying government and industry-imposed regulations and compliance requirements meant the organizations and their workforce will have more to work on and accomplish.
Achieving the relevant professional and compliance certifications has become increasingly in-demand on individuals and organizations as a whole.
The healthcare practice and profession, information technology (IT) sector and finance industry are among these specialized fields that follow rigorous regulations and compliance requirements.
In the healthcare industry, particularly, regulations include, but not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for healthcare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Office of the Inspector General (OIG) – Medicare compliance.
PROFESSIONAL AND COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION HELPS YOU SHINE, STAND OUT AND SUCCEED.
Gaining a relevant professional and/or compliance certification develops an individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitude (KSA) towards their profession or career. This enhances proficiency in their job performance, which also contributes to the organization’s overall productivity.
Having gone through the rigorous process of obtaining compliance certification demonstrates diligence, discipline, and dedication towards one’s profession.
Being certified on pertinent compliance requirements increases one’s professional credibility resulting in a greater competitive advantage. This will give a professional edge over others who does not have similar certification(s) and will prove advantageous when seeking employment or aspiring for a job promotion.
LIABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF NOT HAVING PROFESSIONAL AND/OR COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION.
While obtaining compliance certifications provides many advantages, by contrast, having none may deprive a person of opportunities to be hired in certain jobs.
Similarly, those who are employed may find themselves unqualified for certain promotions and designations.
In addition, with enforced industry regulations such as the HIPAA, OSHA, and ACA/OIG- Medicare compliance, employees with certain designations are required to complete compliance certifications by the government and/or the relevant regulatory organizations.
Failure of these employees to gain certification may reflect the organization’s overall compliance with specific regulations. As a result, to stay compliant, the concerned practice or office may be compelled to re-hire a better suited and qualified person, one who has the proper certification(s).
Apart from an organization’s non-compliance posing as a legal liability with corresponding sanctions, they may also be encumbered with monetary fines.
SELECTING THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL AND COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.
Determining the right certification is vital to professional development and credential enhancement. Examine the best career and professional path, and let that be the guide in choosing the most suitable professional and compliance certification program.
There are several professional and compliance certifications for individuals in the healthcare sector, including – HIPAA Privacy Compliance Certification, HIPAA Security Compliance Certification, ACA/OIG – Medicare Compliance Certifications, OSHA for Healthcare Compliance Certification among others.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL AND COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATIONS PROVIDER.
Not all professional and compliance certifications are created equal. Meaning, the quality, and validity of a certification program vary from one provider to another. Choose certification program(s) that is/are offered by established and reputable providers. Do diligent research. A quick check on the credentials of the certification program providers will certainly help.
Ending up with dubious certification program providers may prove to be wasteful – of fees paid, and time spent. Providers with questionable credentials may also deliver low-grade, erroneous certification program content. Thereby invalidating the professional and/or compliance certification.
As a final point, being safe and attaining the minimum standards whether as an individual or an organization is good. However, achieving the relevant and important certification(s) sets you above the rest.