Workplace Implications of Changing Entry to Practice Requirement in the Allied Health Professions Employer Perspective

Has the provision of health care changed to the extent that new competency requirements/scopes of practice/entry-to- practice credentials are required for allied health professionals?

Employer Perspective Workplaces in health care have become increasingly complex, requiring broader and more rounded skill sets in addition to specific professional knowledge

Employer Perspective Staff in all professions required to work more independently Flattened organizations Fewer managers, supervisors Empowered individuals working in teams

Employer Perspective Need self starting individuals who are able to work independently Written and verbal communication skills essential Analytical skills Requirement to exercise judgment Self-discipline Maturity Ability to handle increased workload

Employer Perspective What challenges or issues do you foresee as allied health professions implement new scopes of practice or entry-to practice requirements?

Employer Perspective Effect on Compensation Systems Implementation Issues Recruitment and Retention

Employer Perspective Effect on compensation systems Understandable expectations for increased wages Overall impact on Health Care and the ability of the system to sustain the increased cost

Employer Perspective Implementation Issues Current staff with previously required credentials Grand fathered ? Timeline to attain new credentials? Different wage rates Impact on job satisfaction, morale and its effect on retention

Employer Perspective Implementation Issues If scope of practice has changed how integrate staff with differing credentials if necessary for new scope If regulations change on requirements to continue to practice, how deal with lesser qualified staff

Employer Perspective Implementation Issues Necessity to maintain integrity of compensation systems Relative value of wide variety of professionals Currently educational requirements a key factor in relative ranking of professional groups for compensation purposes

Employer Perspective Recruitment Will changing entry to practice requirements be an incentive for young people to enter allied health careers? Years required and cost of education Increased professional status and improved compensation

Employer Perspective Retention Retention both with the employer organization and within the profession Increased career options Job satisfaction Will it result in increased or decreased job satisfaction? Impact on those already in the field

Employer Perspective Summary Employers requires individuals with skills and knowledge to perform their jobs in a very complex and changing environment, and who gain satisfaction from their employment Implementation issues exist which can be managed Serious concerns about financial implications for health care system