AMERICAN ACADEMY OF HEALTH PHYSICS STRATEGIC PLAN

This strategic plan is the beginning of a continuous process to plan the future of the American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP). The Executive Committee has developed a mission statement for the AAHP and initiated actions to accomplish that mission. This strategic plan is a concise statement of the Academy's goals and objectives and it is the basis for our long-range planning and operational decisions. It is not intended to be a detailed step-by-step course to reach the goals, rather it outlines the strategies that will be used to move the AAHP from where we are to where we want to be. Key elements of the plan include our vision for the future (mission), the critical targets on which our energies need to be focused (goals), some specific objectives in support of the goals, and possible approaches for achieving the goals and objectives.

On January 24, 1999, the AAHP Executive Committee adopted the following mission statement:

Mission:

The AAHP advances the profession of health physics through a professional certification program, the development and support of professional standards, and a program for continuing professional growth through education.

We are convinced that the mission of the Academy is desirable and achievable, and the entire membership is being challenged to contribute to the successful accomplishment of the mission. The implementation of the Strategic Plan will take several years, but its accomplishment will position the Academy and its certification and continuing education programs for the coming century.

Shown below are the six strategic goals approved by the Executive Committee on July 22, 1996. These goals are the critical few things that will make a difference in accomplishing our mission. The supporting objectives and strategies to be used in helping to reach these goals are shown below each strategic goal.

There is no significance to the order of presentation.

1. Goal: Maintain high standards for certification of Health Physicists.
   1. Maintain suitable educational and other qualification requirements for applicants for certification.
   2. Improve the screening of certification applications relative to thoroughness and consistency
   3. Maintain consistent, relevant, and high-quality certification examinations that evaluate the candidate's ability to practice health physics.
   4. Maintain the fairness of examinations and grading.
   5. Ensure that our certification processes keep pace with the current practice of Health Physics.
   6. Achieve and maintain appropriate third party accreditation of our certification processes.

Possible Implementation Ideas:
	Establish an independent review group to review and QC the final draft exam. Evaluate mechanisms for administering the examinations electronically without compromising the quality of the examination process.

2. Goal: Maintain high standards for continuing education and re-certification.
   1. Provide timely, state-of-the-art continuing education courses.
   2. Ensure that continuing education courses are readily accessible to CHPs and others.
   3. Ensure the quality and relevance of continuing education courses.
   4. Implement optimum methods for earning continuing education credits toward re-certification.
   5. Periodically evaluate the re-certification process and ensure it continues to meet expectations and needs.
   6. Independently evaluate the performance of the Continuing Education Committee and its programs.

Possible Implementation Ideas:
	Evaluate CE awards appropriate to management training as CHPs pursue corporate leadership roles spanning other health and safety disciplines in addition to health physics Establish CEs for completion of CIH, CSP, CHMM, QEP, and other recognized certifications in the allied health & safety professions.

3. Goal: Maintain high standards for the practice of Health Physics.
   1. Maintain the Standards of Professional Responsibility for CHPs.
   2. Maintain a fair process for responding to alleged violations of the standards.
   3. Maintain a well-defined and documented appeal process.
   4. Develop, promulgate, and maintain standards of practice applicable to CHPs.
   5. Independently evaluate the performance of the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and the Professional Development Committee.

Possible Implementation Ideas:
Publicize names of any individuals determined to have presented ethics problems.

4. Goal: Enhance recognition of CHPs and the AAHP and ABHP.
   1. Advertise the purpose and value of Health Physics certification and the roles of AAHP and ABHP.
   2. Secure legal protection for the terms "CHP" and "Certified Health Physicist".
   3. Promote use of the "CHP" designation by members of AAHP.
   4. Develop a brochure that promotes the recognition of CHPs and distribute it widely.
   5. Enhance AAHP/ABHP exhibits booth and handout materials and expand their presentation .
   6. Develop materials for dissemination via electronic media and seek outlets for them.

Possible Implementation Ideas:
	Liaisons to other societies. Establish mechanism and form letter to inform employers when staff member is certified. Team with HPS and others to affect legislative processes and regulations. "Door prize" at the AAHP booth or discount at the annual luncheon for those with business cards having CHP designation included.

5. Goal: Improve communications to CHPs, other professionals and the public.
   1. Enhance and expand the content of CHP News and "CHP Corner" and the AAHP Web Page.
   2. Develop ongoing relationships with media representatives.
   3. Develop partnerships with HPS and other professional organizations and with academic institutions.
   4. Establish a nationwide speakers bureau.
   5. Establish and maintain an interactive presence for AAHP on the Internet.
   6. Provide for an effective forum for the membership to exchange ideas and thereby develop knowledge.

Possible Implementation Ideas:

Survey the AAHP membership for broad input to the strategic planning process and communication enhancement ideas. Institute a CHP news group. Develop e-mail mechanism to rapidly communicate with the media, particularly science editors. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of providing an "800" number for the AAHP. Provide a comprehensive listing of AAHP members searchable by area of expertise, geographic local, etc. and accessible via CD-ROM, and the web site.

5. Goal: Further increase the value of AAHP membership.
   1. Survey inactive members and encourage them to become active.
   2. Increase information flow to AAHP members and potential applicants for certification.
   3. Enhance the services and information provided to Associate Members.
   4. Provide special events at HPS Annual and Midyear meetings to recognize new CHPs and to reward special accomplishments and service to AAHP and ABHP.
   5. Survey active members on their needs and desires for enhanced information and services, and take steps to respond.

Possible Implementation Ideas:
	Develop a mentoring program including awarding of continuing education credits for CHP participants. Expand options for continuing education and re-certification, especially "distance learning" options. Build relationships with other certifying organizations and seek reciprocity of certifications and/or of continuing education programs where appropriate.