Local WorkingWell program first in Indiana to achieve NAOHP certification
MICHIGAN CITY The Occupational Health program of Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region reached a milestone recently when it became the first in the state to achieve a notable national certification.
The California-based National Association of Occupational Health Professions awarded WorkingWell, SSFHS’s Northern Indiana Region program, a 97.1 percent compliance rating, the second-highest achieved since the certification process began in October 2005. The only score higher since that time is 98 percent.
“Of all the programs reviewed, only six have achieved three-year certification, and WorkingWell is the second program to achieve the 97 percent compliance to standard rating,’’ said Donna Lee Gardner, NAOHP reviewer, adding WorkingWell is the first Indiana program to receive the Quality Certification Award.
Gardner conducted a two-day survey of the program’s main site at Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City. The certification also includes WorkingWell locations in Crown Point, Valparaiso, Hammond and Munster.
Gardner called the WorkingWell effort, “one of the most comprehensive I have seen nationally.’’
“The program’s total health management focus is the health care management system of the future for business and industry. WorkingWell is exceptional in all areas,’’ Gardner said.
Certification is based on compliance scores in categories of Administration and Organization, Operational Framework, Occupational Health Professional Staffing Resources, Quality Management, Product Lines, Sales and Marketing.
Gene Diamond, SSFHS Northern Region CEO since 2004, established WorkingWell region-wide in 2005.
“It’s wonderful. I am happy we achieved this certification. We have an excellent program that shows we can meet needs as they are expected to be met. The score reflects the high level of preparation invested in this effort,’’ Diamond said.
Diamond credits Tim Ross, regional director of Occupational/Employee health, who is based at Saint Anthony Memorial, for the high marks on the WorkingWell report card.
“Tim is responsible for regionalizing the program. I was happy to encourage him to pursue certification,’’ Diamond said.
Ross, who has been with the program since its inception, said he requested the review because “we were confident enough to be judged.’’
“It solidified that we’re providing quality policies and procedures at national-standard levels. It sets us apart from the competition. It can help us recruit the highest-quality providers and staff.’’
Ross calls Mike Polich, WorkingWell regional manager/nurse practitioner, the key to achieving the certification.
“A lot of organizational work was needed in the fashion they were looking for,’’ Ross said. “Mike deserves the credit for that.’’
Polich, who also is based at Saint Anthony Memorial and has been with WorkingWell since its inception, said the effort’s success resulted from teamwork.
“With all the team working together, we were able to put forth our strengths into this project and achieve the outcome of Outstanding Achievement with our certification,’’ Polich said.
WorkingWell serves Northwest Indiana, southeast Chicago area and southwest Michigan area employers, offering services ranging from wellness and education to rehabilitation.
In addition to Saint Anthony Memorial, the Northern Indiana Region includes Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers in Hammond and Dyer; Saint Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point and Franciscan Physicians Hospital LLC, in Munster.
For more information on WorkingWell, visit its Web site: www.Workingwellsite.org.
ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION
The National Association of Occupational Health Professionals, which has more than 2,200 members, was established in June 1990 to provide a method for the exchange of information associated with administration of provider-based occupational health programs.
In 2005, the NAOHP board voted to offer a voluntary program certification process as a way for occupational health programs and freestanding medicine practices to evaluate their performance in comparison to national standards. The certification program was implemented in 2006.
Programs that meet the highest standards receive recognition that may be used as a marketing tool with employers, insurers, managed care organizations and networks.
Compliance is based on a weighted score. Applicants receive a three-year certification, a one-year certification, or a statement of noncompliance. Areas judged include Administration and Organization, Operational Framework, Occupational Health Professional Staffing Resources, Quality Management, Product Lines, Sales and Marketing.
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