Ailene Gerhardt Earns Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) Credential

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brookline, MA, May 28, 2018 – Ailene Gerhardt, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, has earned the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential. The BCPA designation, conferred by The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) to an inaugural cohort of 149 advocates nationwide, acknowledges patient advocate professionals who have demonstrated their experience and proficiency in the field of patient advocacy. The BCPA credential is built on ethical standards, professional competencies and best practices for professionals who work in the emerging field of patient advocacy and have taken the steps necessary to become certified.

“I am extremely proud to be part of the first cohort to have earned this unique credential. The emerging field of Patient Advocacy is critically needed as understanding and navigating our healthcare system becomes more and more complex,” Ailene said. “I am passionate about educating clients and communities about the value added by working with an independent patient advocate.”

After growing up in South Florida, Ailene moved to Massachusetts to attend college. In the years that followed, Ailene received her undergraduate degree in from Clark University and her master’s degree from Brandeis University.

While enjoying a successful 17-year career as a higher education professional advocating for the needs of students, faculty and staff on college and university campuses, Ailene’s mother became gravely ill. She experienced first-hand how draining and challenging navigating the intricacies of the health care system can be while actively supporting a loved one experiencing a healthcare crisis.  The experience as her family member’s primary health advocate led Ailene to a career change and her calling as an independent patient advocate.

Ailene earned her Professional Certificate in Consumer Health Advocacy from the Center for Patient Partnerships, University of Wisconsin, Madison and is a member of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA), National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC), and Massachusetts Health Care Advocates (MAHCA).  She is a member of CampaignZERO: Families for Patient Safety’s Community Educator Network and a Volunteer Patient Navigator with Jewish Family Service of MetroWest.

The BCPA certification was created to recognize professionals who are committed to ongoing professional development and the attainment of the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their jobs at the highest level. Patient Advocates who earn the BCPA credential must be recertified every three years. To aid clients seeking a Board Certified Patient Advocate, those with the BCPA credential will be listed on the PACB website upon consent. The exam will be available two times a year. The next testing period is scheduled for September 2018. Information about the Board and exam can be found: www.pacboard.org.