Seven correctional health professionals have completed the training necessary to become surveyors for NCCHC. They are:
- Tekia Hamilton, PharmD, BCPS, CCHP
- Karan Hunjan, EMT, LPN, CCHP
- Anya Nevarez, LCSW, CCHP-MH
- Michael Nicholson, RN
- Natasha Roybal, BSN, RN, CCHP
- Shawn Marie Todd, MS, RN, CCHP-N
- Faith Tudor, MSN, NP, CCHP
After completing a 12-hour training program designed to ensure a shared understanding of NCCHC’s Standards and survey process, the new surveyors will begin gaining hands-on field experience. They will first shadow veteran surveyors before moving on to conducting and leading surveys themselves, following the classic learning model of “see one, do one, teach one.”
Karan Hunjan, EMT, LPN, CCHP, said, “I chose to become an NCCHC surveyor to help drive meaningful improvements in correctional health care and patient outcomes. This role is an opportunity to support facilities in achieving excellence and ensuring patients receive the care they deserve.”
Another new surveyor, Anya Nevarez, LCSW, CCHP-MH, echoed that commitment to improving care in the field while also highlighting the personal benefits of the role. “It’s a great way to meet colleagues from various backgrounds and learn from their unique experiences,” she said.
Wendy Habert, MBA, CCHP-A, NCCHC director of accreditation, noted that the new surveyors represent a range of backgrounds, including nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. Habert said, “While every surveyor brings their own perspective and experience to the survey process, the quality that unites them is a commitment to patient care, safety, and compliance with NCCHC standards. We put a great deal into the training to ensure we are interpreting the standards consistently and providing helpful feedback to participating facilities.”
With more facilities seeking accreditation, NCCHC welcomes the opportunity to train additional surveyors. For more information, contact accreditation@ncchc.org.
