US adults value health care provider skill evaluation

(HealthDay)—Most adults feel that health care providers who treat them should adhere to a recertification program, including passing examinations, attending educational programs, and undergoing certification, regardless of time in practice, according to a report published by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) and the Citizen Advocacy Center.

Researchers conducted an online survey among 2,052 adults, aged 18 years and older, to examine the public's perception about the credentialing standards required of their health care providers.

According to the report, 91 percent of respondents feel it is important or very important that a health care professional has passed an examination relating to specific knowledge of their profession. Eighty-nine percent value the importance of health care professionals attending educational programs throughout their career to refresh their knowledge and learn about current evidence and technologies. Most respondents (85 percent) believe that an independent body of health professionals should evaluate the skills and knowledge of health care professionals and certify their competence. Most respondents felt that long-practicing health care providers should not be excused from these requirements.

"As a health care certification body, the NBCRNA has the responsibility to ensure our certification and recertification programs reflect the ever evolving and complex demands of the health care environment to include the expectations of the patients we protect," Charles Vacchiano, Ph.D., president of the NBCRNA Board of Directors, said in a statement.

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