Policy:

Certified Healthcare Access Managers are required to participate in the Certification Maintenance Program in order to retain their CHAM credential. Participation means that the individual holding a CHAM credential has engaged in appropriate educational activities on subjects relevant to the field of patient access service and obtained a minimum of 30 contact hours of credit during a two-year cycle. Fulfilling those requirements is one way of demonstrating the participant’s efforts to maintain continuing competence in the vital and expanding field of patient access services.

Procedure:

1. The Credential maintenance cycle is a two-year process which occurs on odd numbered years (i.e.  2007, 2009, etc.).

2. In order to maintain CHAM status, an individual must:

• Pay annual dues to NAHAM.
• Complete the required number of continuing education activities.
• Submit a contact hour summary form and processing fee ($20). This is a summary of educational hours earned during the education cycle. The summary can be mailed or submitted on line at www.NAHAM.org
• Submit proof of education to the Education Committee if selected in the random audit.

3. Waiver, Reduction or Extension:
An individual who is retired or disabled, or no longer working in patient access services, either full or part time, may request consideration for a waiver from NAHAM. Documentation concerning the circumstances must be provided. If employment is resumed, the individual must notify NAHAM in order to return to active status. Upon notification, the individual is responsible for meeting the requirements of the recertification program. These individuals are subject to the restoration process.

4 . Inactivation:
Credential status will be considered inactive for failure to comply with the recertification program requirements. The individual will be sent a Notice of Inactive Status, with information on the reactivation process, and has the right to appeal this action. Individuals who have been placed on inactive status may not use the CHAM designation. NAHAM will report the member as an inactive CHAM if an inquiry is made.

5 . Review/Audit Process:
Upon submission, documentation will be reviewed by NAHAM staff. Questions regarding documentation will be forwarded to the Education Committee Chair for follow up. A minimum of 10% of recertifications will be selected at random by the staff. These will be forwarded to the Education Committee Chair for auditing purposes.

6 . Validation Certificates/ Letters:
Validation letters/certificates will be mailed to the certificant following completion of the audit by the Education Committee Chair.