Telehealth Compliance
The telehealth industry is rapidly growing and evolving, meaning its leaders must develop ever-advancing specialized knowledge to keep current in their field. As such, decision makers need to ensure they are placed within the most effective and appropriate management certification framework. This article defines the need to evaluate certifications on a case-by-case basis and outlines the criteria for determining which is suitable for a telehealth leader.
In order for a certification to be deemed suitable for a telehealth leader, initially an individual assessment should be undertaken to see if the objective of the certification matches the ambitions of the organization in question. Upgrading or extending skillset competencies through formal certifications may or may not be necessary depending on the existing capabilities of the leader in question. It is true, the advancement of formal qualifications may open the door for more challenging roles, the suitability should be determined by the leader, organization, and the specific certification path chosen.
Next, the leader should evaluate pertinent elements of the certification such as the topics covered, the time needed to complete the certification, and the qualifications and experience required to apply. Beyond this, the leader should ascertain the currency of the certification and if it is widely accepted; certifications that are out of date may have to be reiterated at another time. It should be noted, most certifications have some form of registration and continual re-registration to maintain the currency of their certification.
Empirical rigor is also important when evaluating the suitability of a certification, the leader should ascertain if actual evidence-based study is needed to attain the relevant certification. Additionally, evaluations should assess the degree of difficulty in earning the certification; certifications whose qualifications are too difficult or too easy to earn may not be suitable for the leader’s current needs.
The leader should also take into account the cost of the certification including the fees for the certification itself and any additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation. It is not uncommon for certifications to come with additional expenses which are sometimes not mentioned in the cost of examination.
It is clear that different certifications and specialized qualifications required for telehealth leadership will bring different frames of expertise and knowledge. In conclusion, the leader should evaluate each and every available option carefully and make an informed decision on which certification is most suitable for their role. This includes looking into the objectives, relevance, currency, and cost of the certification, as well as the requirements and time needed to complete the certification.
