Programs covering “generic” or “product-specific” topics or content are eligible for accreditation. Generic subject matter means that the skills or knowledge gained by the attendees during the course is easily transferable from one product or product line to another. Product-specific training is useful only for a given piece of equipment or a particular system.

Courses submitted that appear to be sales pitches or product endorsements will not receive approval. This distinction is important because NAMSS does not endorse a specific manufacturer's products. NAMSS endorses competence in given areas of expertise. Product-specific courses may be approved when they are designed to increase efficiency, workflow, convey application guidelines, or troubleshooting techniques.

Every 50-minutes of qualified education will qualify for 1 NAMSS continuing education credit. Credit is not awarded for breaks, meals, or networking activities.

Organizations interested in receiving NAMSS accreditation must complete the online application form, which includes an approved tag line. Organizations must attach a schedule/agenda indicating the session topics and length, scheduled breaks and meals, whether the course is generic or product-specific, and a brief course description to include intended audience and course objectives. Without this information, applications cannot be processed. These documents may be electronically uploaded during the application process.

Accreditation requests should be submitted at least two months prior to the program date. This will ensure adequate time for NAMSS to process the application and allow the sponsoring organization to insert the appropriate information regarding credits in their marketing materials. Programs submitted less than 30 days prior to the program date will be evaluated on a best-effort basis and subject to a $25 late fee. Please allow at least two weeks for application processing.

*Please note that any application submitted after the program has taken place, will NOT be approved for CE credit.

Each program an organization wishes to have accredited requires a separate online application. The application form may be duplicated. Only one application is necessary for programs with multiple presentation dates, providing the presentation does not vary in length or content. Please include all dates and locations on the application form.

Course descriptions must indicate the intended audience and course content must be a reasonable match for that audience. Courses with content inappropriate for the target audience will not receive approval.

Applications for accreditation must be accompanied by a brief course description, including the length of course and key learning objectives. This information allows potential attendees to determine whether the course will meet their educational needs and know what they can expect to get out of the course before they invest their time and money. For example, “At the completion of this course attendees will be able to:

• Describe the evolution of the current healthcare system
• Identify the purpose and content of medical staff bylaws
• Report current JCAHO and NCQA accreditation and credentialing standards for acute care, managed care, and credentialing verification organizations
• Define healthcare terms and medical terminology
• Define legal principle of credentialing
• Describe key components of healthcare administration and management theories

If you can’t tell or can’t decide what knowledge the attendees will gain from the course, we can’t determine if the instruction will be useful for the intended audience, nor is it possible to justify attendance at this educational event.

NAMSS Affiliates (link to affiliation page) are eligible to receive discounts on NAMSS continuing education credits for State Association meetings when the educational program meets approved requirements. NAMSS Affiliates will be eligible for the NAMSS “Affiliate” rate. Non-affiliated State Associations or other non-profit organizations will be eligible for the non-profit rate.

• Not-for-Profit Organization - $105.00.
• Corporations - $350.00 for each program ($50.00 for each additional offering of the same program); $275.00 for set quizzes of 3 or more.
• NAMSS State/Chapter Affiliates - $65.00 if the program charges NAMSS members
• NAMSS State/Chapter Affiliates - $20.00 if the program is free for NAMSS members

Programs submitted less than 30 days prior to the program date will be evaluated on a best-effort basis and subject to a $25 late fee.

NAMSS recognizes the opportunity to record and repurpose continuing education opportunities. We give our accredited programs the chance to record the first offering of their program (whether presented as an online webinar or filming a live presentation) and pair it with a quiz for additional offerings during a two year period.

Courses must be accompanied by a 10 question quiz (true/false or multiple choice). There is no limit to the number of times recordings may be offered. Recordings are valid for a two year period following  the original date of the program offering.

Fees

• State chapters: $100 for a one time live presentation that is recorded and repurposed with a 10 question quiz (good for 2 years from date or original occurrence)
• Non-profit(not-for-profit hospitals and non-profit organizations) : $195 for a one time live presentation that is recorded and repurposed with a 10 question quiz (good for 2 years from date or original occurrence)
• Corporations: $550 for a one time live presentation that is recorded and repurposed with a 10 question quiz (good for 2 years from date or original occurrence)

Application process

Programs should apply using the NAMSS CE accreditation center at least 30 days prior to the date of first offering of the program.  Select the Enduring materials option when you are starting a new application.

NAMSS will provide a certificate of attendance to the program sponsor, which may be reproduced and distributed to program participants, if desired.