Happy Medical Staff Services Week!

I hope all of you are taking time this week to celebrate your success and your contributions to providing safe, quality patient care.  Can you believe it is November?  The Holiday Season is upon us and I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday Season.  It is my wish for you that you are able to take time to enjoy the spirit of the season with friends and family.  

As my term as president is coming to an end I want to thank the AAMSS Board for their support and hard work this year.  This year the Board has worked diligently to increase the visibility of AAMSS and to demonstrate our commitment to quality patient care and partnership with health care leaders in the community by having a Board representative attend many of the licensing board meetings.  The Board was also successful in having another medical licensing board convert to an email notification process when actions are taken against a practitioner.  This assures facilities are notified quickly and can take appropriate actions.  The Board is committed to continuing efforts to be more visible in the community and to have a voice in matters that impact credentialing practices across the state.    Connecting with and serving the AAMSS members was also a priority this year.  This was accomplished by a publishing a more robust newsletter, by offering additional educational programs and by higher visibility of Board members.  The Education Committee responded to the suggestions of the members and offered the option of attending virtual educational programs over Live Meeting.  There will also be a new section added to the AAMSS website that will include best practice policies, forms and programs from facilities across the country to assist you in meeting your regulatory and accreditation requirements.  While my term is almost over, the challenges we are facing in 2012 are only just beginning. As medical staff and credentialing professionals in the community, I encourage all of you to look for opportunities to partner with your peers and colleagues in the community to increase efficiencies wherever possible.   In 2012 the Board will be renewing efforts to pursue a statewide application that all of us can accept and use effectively.  To be successful as an organization and a profession we will need to be more   collaborative and cohesive in eliminating duplication throughout the credentialing process starting in the physician’s office through approval by our respective committees and boards.