Snow Hill, Md. (Nov. 2, 2011) -- The local health agencies of Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties are pleased to announce several newly certified healthcare emergency professionals (CHEPs). 

 Each of the following individuals passed the CHEP course developed by the International Board for Certification of Safety Managers. The certification standardizes management and system principles in the field of emergency planning, response, mitigation and recovery in healthcare settings.

Barb Logan, Somerset County Health Department public health emergency planner.

Ken Sterling, McCready Foundation facilities manager.

Stephanie Howard, McCready Foundation registered nurse and patient safety officer.

Bernadette Croswell, Wicomico County Health Department emergency preparedness clerk.

Danny Drew, Wicomico County Health Department public health emergency planner.

Ricky Sanders, Peninsula Regional Medical Center director of facilities management.

Ronnie Ennis, Peninsula Regional Medical Center safety coordinator.

Margaret Smith, Deer’s Head Hospital registered nurse.

Ruth Jones, Deer’s Head Hospital registered nurse.

Debra Stevens, Worcester County Health Department, nursing program manager.

Robyn Tytomi-Dalton, Worcester County Health Department public health emergency planner.

Glenn R. Lebedz, Atlantic General Hospital director of support services.

Tim Cooper, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Preparedness and Response, Region IV Hospital Preparedness Program coordinator.

The CHEP program and exam encompasses information, standards and best practices from creditable sources such as the National Fire Protection Association, American Society for Testing and Materials, Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances, Disease Registry, American National Standard Institute and the Joint Commission.

CHEP holders must re-certify every five years.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Hospital Preparedness Program provides funding for staff to attend the CHEP program.