CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SERVICE MANAGEMENT

Transcription

1 CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SERVICE MANAGEMENT Handbook for Candidates EXAMINATION DATES Application Deadline January 15, 2015 Application Deadline September 1, 2015 Winter 2015 Testing Window Begins: February 14, 2015 Ends: February 28, 2015 Summer 2015 Testing Window Begins: October 10, 2015 Ends: October 24, BROADWAY 17th FLOOR NEW YORK, NY (212)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CERTIFICATION DEFINITION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CARE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ADMINISTRATION ATTAINMENT OF CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PROCEDURE COMPLETION OF APPLICATION FEES REFUNDS EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION TESTING SOFTWARE TUTORIAL SCHEDULING YOUR EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT SPECIAL NEEDS CHANGING YOUR EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT RULES FOR THE EXAMINATION REPORT OF RESULTS REEXAMINATION CONFIDENTIALITY CONTENT OF EXAMINATION SCORING PROCEDURE CONTENT OUTLINE SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS REFERENCES This handbook contains necessary information about the Multiple Sclerosis Service Management (MSSMC) Examination. Please retain it for future reference. Candidates are responsible for reading these instructions carefully. This handbook is subject to change.

3 - 1 - PURPOSES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CERTIFICATION Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and unpredictable disease that affects approximately 2.5 million individuals worldwide, as well as those who care about them. People with multiple sclerosis and their families often need support and assistance to navigate the complex systems related to available and appropriate resources and services. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports a voluntary certification process that reflects the knowledge necessary to provide high quality resource and service management. Certification in multiple sclerosis service management provides formal recognition of a specific body of knowledge necessary to promote independence and quality of life for individuals and families living with multiple sclerosis. Certification is intended to: 1. Establish a level of knowledge required for certification in multiple sclerosis service management. 2. Recognize formally the individual s achievement in the area of multiple sclerosis service management. 3. Provide encouragement for personal and professional growth. 4. Demonstrate to the public and employers that the individual has met a national standard for the provision of multiple sclerosis service management. 5. Increase the quality and range of services for those affected by multiple sclerosis. DEFINITION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CARE Multiple sclerosis care may cover concepts underlying clinical practice, assessment and interventions in clinical practice, advocacy, education, and research. This may include but is not limited to health professionals who practice in the following settings: Physician Offices Rehabilitation Centers Hospitals Multiple Sclerosis Centers or Clinics Home or Community Care Nursing Homes Pharmaceutical or other Commercial Organizations Educational and Research Facilities

4 - 2 - ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Candidates must meet the following requirements: 1. Have a bachelor s degree. 2. Complete and file an Application for the Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management. 3. Pay the required fee. ADMINISTRATION The Certification Program is sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Society). The Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management is administered for the Society by the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), 1350 Broadway - 17th Floor, New York, New York 10018, (212) , Questions concerning the examination should be referred to PTC. ATTAINMENT OF CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION Eligible candidates who pass the Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management are eligible to use the registered designation MSSMC after their names and will receive certificates from the Society. A registry of those certified in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management will be maintained by the Society and may be reported in its publications. Certification in multiple sclerosis service management is recognized for a period of five years at which time the candidate must retake and pass the current Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management or meet such alternative requirements as are in effect at that time in order to retain certification. REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION Certification will be revoked for any of the following reasons: 1. Falsification of an Application. 2. Misrepresentation of certification status. The Appeals Committee of the Society provides the appeal mechanism for challenging revocation of Certification. It is the responsibility of the individual to initiate this process.

5 APPLICATION PROCEDURE Read and follow the directions on the Application and in this Handbook for Candidates. To obtain an additional Application for the Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management, contact the Professional Testing Corporation, 1350 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10018, (212) , or visit the Society website at COMPLETION OF APPLICATION Complete or fill in as appropriate ALL information requested on the Application. Mark only one response unless otherwise indicated. NOTE: The name you enter on your application must match exactly the name shown on your government-issued photo ID such as driver s license or passport. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. CANDIDATE INFORMATION: Starting at the top of the Application, print your name, address, daytime phone number, evening phone number, and address in the appropriate row of empty boxes. ELIGIBILITY AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION: All questions must be answered. Mark only one response unless otherwise indicated. OPTIONAL INFORMATION: These questions are optional. The information requested is to assist in complying with equal opportunity guidelines and will be used only in statistical summaries. Such information will in no way affect your test results. CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: When you have completed all required information, sign and date the Application in the space provided. Fold the completed Application. Mail the Application with the appropriate fee shown below in time to be received by the deadline shown on the cover of this Handbook to: MS SERVICE MANAGEMENT EXAMINATION PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION 1350 Broadway 17th Floor New York, New York FEES Application fee for the Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management...$ MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are also accepted. Please complete and sign the credit card payment form on the application.

6 - 4 - REFUNDS There will be no refund of fees. Fees will not be transferred from one testing period to another. EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION The Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management is administered during an established two-week testing period on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at computer-based testing facilities managed by PSI. PSI has several hundred testing sites in the United States, as well as Canada. Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. To find a testing center near you visit: or call PSI at (800) Please note: Hours and days of availability vary at different centers. You will not be able to schedule your examination appointment until you have received an Eligibility Notice from PTC. TESTING SOFTWARE TUTORIAL A testing tutorial document can be viewed, free of charge, online. Please visit This document can give you an idea about the features of online testing. SCHEDULING YOUR EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT Once your application has been received and processed and your eligibility verified, you will be sent an Eligibility Notice within the six week period preceding the start of the testing period. A paper copy of your Eligibility Notice plus current government-issued photo identification, such as a driver s license or passport, must be presented in order to gain admission to the testing center. If you do not receive an Eligibility Notice at least three weeks before the beginning of the testing period, contact the Professional Testing Corporation at (212) The Eligibility Notice will indicate where to call to schedule your examination appointment as well as the dates during which testing is available. Appointment times are first-come, first-serve, so schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your Eligibility Notice in order to maximize your chance of testing at your preferred location and on your preferred date. After you make your test appointment, PSI will send you a confirmation with the date, time, and location of your examination. Please check this confirmation carefully for the correct date, time, and location. Contact PSI at (800) if you do not receive this confirmation or if there is a mistake with your appointment. It is your responsibility as the candidate to call PSI to schedule the examination appointment. It is highly recommended that you become familiar with the testing site prior to your test appointment. Arrival at the testing site at the appointed time is the responsibility of the candidate. Please plan for weather, traffic, parking, and any security requirements that are specific to the testing location. Late arrival may prevent you from testing.

7 - 5 - SPECIAL NEEDS Special testing arrangements will be made for individuals with special needs. Submit the Application, Examination Fee, and a completed and signed Request for Special Accommodations Form, available from or by calling PTC at (212) Requests for special testing for individuals with special needs must be received at least EIGHT weeks before the testing period begins. Please notify PTC at least two weeks prior to your examination appointment if you need to bring a service dog, medicine, food, or beverages needed for a medical condition with you to the test center. CHANGING YOUR EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT If you need to cancel your examination appointment or reschedule to a different date within the two-week testing period, you must contact PSI at (800) no later than noon, Eastern Standard Time, of the second business day PRIOR to your scheduled appointment. PSI does not have the authority to authorize refunds or transfers to another testing period. If you fail to arrive for your appointment or cancel without giving the required notice, you will forfeit your testing fee. RULES FOR THE EXAMINATION 1. Electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, Blackberries, Bluetooth type devices, MP3 players such as ipods, cameras, voice recorders, laptop computers and tablets cannot be operative during the examination. 2. No papers, books or reference materials may be taken into or removed from the examination room. 3. No questions concerning content of the examination may be asked during the examination. The candidate should read carefully the directions that are provided on screen at the beginning of the examination session. 4. Candidates are prohibited from leaving the testing room while their examination is in session, with the sole exception of going to the restroom. REPORT OF RESULTS Candidates will be notified in writing by PTC within four weeks of the close of the testing period whether they have passed or failed the examination. Scores on the major areas of the examination and on the total examination will be reported. Successful candidates will also receive certificates from the Society.

8 - 6 - REEXAMINATION The Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management may be taken as often as desired upon filing of a new Application and fee. There is no limit to the number of times the examination may be repeated. CONFIDENTIALITY 1. The Society will release the individual test scores ONLY to the individual candidate. 2. Any questions concerning test results should be referred to the Society or the Professional Testing Corporation. CONTENT OF EXAMINATION 1. The Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management is a computer-based examination composed of a maximum of 200 multiple choice, objective questions with a total testing time of three (3) hours. 2. The content for the examination is described in the Content Outline starting on page The questions for the examination are obtained from individuals with expertise in multiple sclerosis and are reviewed for construction, accuracy, and appropriateness by the Society. 4. The Society, with the advice and assistance of the Professional Testing Corporation, prepares the examination. 5. The Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management will be weighted in approximately the following manner: I. UNDERSTANDING OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS...15% II. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS...15% III. CLIENT AND FAMILY ASSESSMENT...20% IV. BENEFITS...15% V. RESOURCES FOR THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS COMMUNITY...20% VI. SERVICE COORDINATION...15% SCORING PROCEDURE Prior to administration of the examination, representatives from the Society Certification Committee and the Professional Testing Corporation meet to review all test items for accuracy. At this meeting, the passing score for the examination is set using recognized psychometric methods. The passing score represents the number of test items determined necessary for the candidate to answer correctly to be considered as having minimal basic knowledge of multiple sclerosis service management. In order to protect the security and integrity of the certification examination, neither the Society nor the Professional Testing Corporation will release examination items, candidate responses, or keys to any candidate or agency.

9 CONTENT OUTLINE I. UNDERSTANDING OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS A. Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis 1. Autoimmune Disease 2. Central Nervous System 3. Random Demyelination B. Symptoms 1. Variability 2. Unpredictability 3. Types a. Primary b. Secondary c. Tertiary C. Courses of Multiple Sclerosis 1. Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis 2. Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 3. Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 4. Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis D. Management of Multiple Sclerosis 1. Medication 2. Rehabilitation 3. Wellness 4. Mental Health 5. Complementary and Alternative Therapies E. Impact on Person with Multiple Sclerosis and Family 1. Stages of Adjustment 2. Role Changes 3. Intimacy Issues 4. Care Concerns 5. Socioeconomic Factors 6. Parenting and Child Care 7. Disclosures F. Multiple Sclerosis in Special Populations 1. Pediatric 2. Geriatric 3. Comorbid Conditions G. Epidemiology II. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS A. Professional Ethics 1. Confidentiality 2. Conflict of Interest 3. Boundary Setting B. Disability Etiquette C. Diversity and Cultural Issues 1. Age 2. Ethnicity 3. Gender 4. Sexual Orientation 5. Religion D. Communication Skills 1. Crisis Intervention 2. Consumer-Directed a. Strength Based b. Self Determination

10 Networking a. Other Professionals b. Community Resources III. CLIENT AND FAMILY ASSESSMENT A. Issue Identification 1. Presenting Issue a. Crisis b. Noncrisis 2. Functional Status a. Physical b. Medication Management c. Cognitive d. Emotional e. Spiritual 3. Financial and Benefit Status 4. Physical Environment Status a. Safety b. Accessibility B. Current Support Systems 1. Formal Support 2. Informal Support C. Legal Issues 1. Advance Directives 2. Financial and Health Care Power of Attorney 3. Guardianship/Conservatorship 4. Wills 5. Other D. Goal Setting 1. Short Term 2. Long Term IV. BENEFITS A. Government Programs 1. Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance 2. Medicaid/Medicare 3. Veterans Administration 4. Vocational Rehabilitation 5. Public Assistance 6. Health Insurance 7. Other B. Legal Protections 1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 2. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) 3. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 4. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 5. Other C. Private Disability 1. Short Term 2. Long Term

11 - 9 - D. Other Benefits 1. Health Insurance 2. Life Insurance 3. Disability Insurance 4. Education 5. Retirement 6. Paid Time Off 7. Other V. RESOURCES FOR THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS COMMUNITY A. Medical and Allied Health 1. Physicians 2. Rehabilitation 3. Mental Health 4. Nurses 5. Pharmaceutical Resources 6. Other B. Social Services 1. Medical Assistance 2. Public Assistance 3. Adult and Child Protective Services 4. Other C. Home and Community Based Services 1. Personal Assistance 2. Chore/Homemaker Services 3. Adult Day Programs 4. Emergency Alert Systems 5. Multiple Sclerosis Organizations 6. Other D. Employment 1. Counseling 2. Rehabilitation Services 3. Legal Services 4. Job Accommodation Assistance 5. Education and Retraining 6. Other E. Disability Services 1. Independent Living Centers 2. Assistive Technology and Equipment 3. Transportation a. Paratransit b. Car Modifications c. Driver Evaluation d. Special Needs Parking e. Public

12 F. Housing Options 1. Public/Section 8 2. Assisted Living 3. Accessible/Home Modifications 4. Supportive Living Options 5. Skilled Nursing Facilities 6. Other G. Financial 1. Assistance Programs 2. Counseling 3. Long Term Planning 4. Other H. Peer Support 1. Individual 2. Group 3. Social Networking I. Wellness and Recreation 1. Adaptive Exercise Programs 2. Nutrition 3. Spirituality 4. Complementary Health Strategies J. Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis 1. Specialized Health Program 2. Education VI. SERVICE COORDINATION A. Identification and Prioritizing of Interventions B. Team Development 1. Coordination 2. Delegation 3. Timeline C. Linkage of Client and Family Resources 1. Education 2. Advocacy 3. Implementation 4. Other D. Documentation E. Follow-up

13 SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS In the following questions, choose the one best answer. 1. Which of the following is the most common reason people with multiple sclerosis leave the workplace? 1. Fatigue 2. Spasticity 3. Bladder dysfunction 4. Visual impairment 2. Which of the following is affected when a person with multiple sclerosis experiences memory impairments or recall difficulties? 1. Long-term memory 2. Short-term memory 3. Ability to recall names 4. Ability to work with numbers 3. Which of the following provides medical insurance to low income individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria? 1. Medicaid 2. Medicare 3. Worker s Compensation 4. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) 4. Which of the following best characterizes studies on the effects of stress on multiple sclerosis? 1. Have not been done 2. Have had conflicting results 3. Show that stress is directly related to triggering exacerbations 4. Show increased levels of stress increase incidence of clinical depression 5. When employees leave work due to a disability and go on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), what health insurance option is available to provide coverage until they are eligible for medicare? 1. Family Medical and Leave Act (FMLA) 2. Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) 3. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 4. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

14 When interacting with a person with multiple sclerosis who has a personal care attendant (PCA), it is important to 1. ask the PCA to leave the room. 2. speak directly to the person and not to the PCA. 3. provide the PCA with a written summary of interaction. 4. speak to the PCA who can inform the person in a way it can be understood. 7. Which of the following is the individual for which a trust is established? 1. Heir 2. Lawyer 3. Trustee 4. Beneficiary CORRECT ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS

15 REFERENCES The Society has prepared a suggested reference list to assist in preparing for the Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management. These references contain journals and textbooks which include information of significance to multiple sclerosis service management. Inclusion of certain journals and textbooks on this list does not constitute an endorsement by the Society of specific professional literature which, if used, would guarantee candidates successful passing of the certification examination. Halpern, J., Costello, K. and Harris, C. (2006). Nursing Practice in Multiple Sclerosis A Core Curriculum. (2 nd ed.). New York: Demos Medical Publishing. Holland, NJ. and Halper J. (2005). Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide to Wellness. (2nd ed.). Chapters 21, 22, 23 and Appendix A. New York: Demos Medical Publishing. Kalb, RC. (2004). Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have-The Answers You Need. (3rd ed.). Chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17. New York: Demos Medical Publishing. Kalb, R. and Sorensen, C. (2003). NMSS Training Protocol Customer Service Certification. National MS Society. (2003). Adapting: Financial Planning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis. National Endowment for Financial Education, National MS Society, Paralyzed Veterans of America. National MS Society Website: Northrop, D., Cooper, S., and Calder, K. (2006). Health Insurance Resources: Options for People with Chronic Disease or Disability. (2nd ed.). New York: Demos Medical Publishing. Perkins, L. and Perkins, S. (1999). Multiple Sclerosis: Your Legal Rights. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, Inc. PTC14169

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19 Application for Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management MARKING INSTRUCTIONS: This form will be scanned by computer, so please make your marks heavy and dark, filling the circles completely. Please print uppercase letters and avoid contact with the edge of the box. See example provided. Page 1 Candidate Information Mr. First Name Mrs. Ms. Dr. Last Name and Suffix, if any Please enter your Name exactly as it appears on a Government-Issued Photo I.D. Middle Initial Suffix (Jr., Sr., etc.) Home - Number and Street Apartment Number City State/Province Country Zip/Postal Code Daytime Telephone Number (numbers only, no parentheses or dashes) Evening Telephone Number (numbers only, no parentheses or dashes) Address (Please enter only ONE address. Use two lines if your address does not fit in one line.) Eligibility and Background Information Darken only one choice for each question unless otherwise directed. A. HIGHEST ACADEMIC LEVEL ATTAINED: Bachelors Degree Masters Degree B. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RESOURCES AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT: 0 to 2 3 to 5 C. PERCENT OF WORKING TIME CURRENTLY SPENT IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SERVICE MANAGEMENT: Less than 20% 20% to 50% Doctoral Degree Other (Specify) 6 to 10 More than 10 51% to 80% More than 80% Examination Date Winter D. HEALTH PROFESSION: (Darken only one response.) Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist/Physiotherapist Registered Nurse Speech/Language Pathologist Recreational Therapist Mental Health Professional Social Worker Physical/Occupational/Rehab/Medical Assistant Other (specify) Summer E. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING: (Darken only one response.) Multiple Sclerosis Organization Home or Community Care Physician Office Long Term Care Rehabilitation Center Pharmaceutical Company Hospital Other (specify) Multiple Sclerosis Center or Clinic (Continue on page 2) MSSMC, PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION, 1350 BROADWAY, 17th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY (212) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PTC11166

20 Application for Certification Examination in Multiple Sclerosis Service Management Eligibility and Background Information Page 2 F. ARE YOU EMPLOYED BY THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY? No Yes Note: Employment in the Society is not required. G. WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SERVICE MANAGEMENT? (Check all that apply.) Conferences Newsletters Journals Colleagues Mailings Internet National MS Society Other MS Organization (Specify) Industry Employer Other (Specify) H. HAVE YOU TAKEN THIS EXAMINATION BEFORE? No Yes If yes, indicate month, year, and name under which the examination was taken. Date (month/year): Name: I. REASON FOR TAKING EXAMINATION: (Check all that apply.) Employer Requirement Financial Gain Professional Recognition Personal Satisfaction Career Advancement Other J. OTHER CERTIFICATIONS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: (Check all that apply.) MSCIR MSCS MSCN None Optional Information Note: Information related to race, age, and gender is optional and is requested only to assist in complying with general guidelines pertaining to equal opportunity. Such data will be used only in statistical summaries and in no way will affect your certification. Race African American Asian Hispanic Candidate Signature Native American White Multiracial Other Age Range: Under to to to to Gender: Male Female I have read the Handbook for Candidates and understand I am responsible for knowing its contents. I certify that the information given in this Application is in accordance with Handbook instructions and is accurate, correct, and complete. I give permission to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to use demographic information in this application soley for statistical purposes in supporting certification. CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: DATE: CREDIT CARD PAYMENT If you want to charge your application fee on your credit card, FOR OFFICE USE ONLY provide all of the following information Name (as it appears on your card): Date Address (as it appears on your statement): Charge my credit card for the total fee of: $ Expiration date (month/year): Card type: Visa MasterCard American Express Card Number: / Fee: CC Check SIGNATURE: MSSMC, PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION, 1350 BROADWAY, 17th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY (212) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PTC11166