Scope of Practice
A licensed healthcare professional who has acquired sufficient SPHM practical experience and knowledge to establish protocols and supervise the direct application of SPHM techniques in all clinical settings that would support a sustainable culture of safety. This level of experience and knowledge has been verified through documentation of related clinical work experience and education, and demonstrated through written examination.

Anticipated Capabilities
Successfully apply, coordinate, and practice the clinical application of SPHM at the bedside throughout the continuum of care (e.g., acute care nursing units, ambulatory or outpatient clinics, home health environments). Assist and support leadership in SPHM policy and procedure development, finance, and program promotion.

Required Education/Professional Experience
Must be a licensed healthcare clinician. A minimum of an associate degree, plus three years’ clinical experience.

Required SPHM Work Experience
Two years (full or part-time) of SPHM specific work-experience where duties include responsibilities associated with an organization’s SPHM program.

Required Professional Development Hours
Sixteen (16) professional development hours (PDH) over the last two years relating to responsibilities in SPHM. This may include training in the use of SPHM technology, skills for training others, or topics that would improve skills in promoting SPHM. Other examples of topics include the nine core competency areas. If a topic is not directly related to SPHM, applicant will be required to provide a brief explanation as to its relevance.

Required Letters of Recommendation
Three letters are required: one letter from a CSPHP or a senior leader, and two letters from supervisors, SPHM colleagues, and/or clients familiar with the applicant’s work and involvement with SPHM. All letters must be dated within one-year of the application date and include the author’s signature, contact information (name, employer, title, telephone and email) and preferably be submitted on letterhead.

While no applicant is expected to be proficient in all areas, the nine core competencies are skill sets that the Certification and Renewal Committee will examine upon review of the application. Each letter must address the core competencies providing tangible and specific examples as they relate to the experience and expertise of the applicant. We encourage the applicant to share these core competencies with those who they ask to write their letters of recommendation. https://csphp.org/sphm-certification/nine-core-competencies/

Required Evidence of Competence
Submit one work product to provide formal evidence of competence in the area of SPHM.  This may include reports, assessments, publications, policies and procedures, or training materials.  Work products may be composed entirely by the applicant or in collaboration with others in the applicant’s organization; authorship must be clearly listed.  Documents provided by a vendor in support of technology or programming at the applicant’s organization are not acceptable.

Examination
Once the portfolio has been approved, the applicant will receive an invitation and instructions to schedule the CSPHC examination. The intent and objective of the CSPHC examination is to test the candidate’s knowledge and reasoning on the core competencies on key principles of SPHM clinical and programmatic practice and support whether at the patient’s bedside in the hospital, or ambulatory clinic.   The candidate for the CSPHC certification must demonstrate the clinical knowledge and competency levels which are essential in leading and maintaining a successful SPHM practice on the specific departmental and/or nursing unit(s).  The nine core competencies and the weighted structure of the CSPHC examination are discussed in further detail in the candidate handbook.  A passing score of 75% or greater is required to meet this requirement.

Certification Renewal:  Every 3 Years
Upon each renewal cycle, certificants are expected to submit evidence of completion for twenty-four (24) PDH during the previous thirty-six months.  All hours must be submitted on the approved Professional Development Audit Tool.