Why Certification Matters in Life Care Planning

Life Care Planning
Benefits Of Certification in Life Care Planning

In the field of life care planning, certification is a crucial element that ensures the highest standard of professional standards, practice, and competence. 

Life care planners are responsible for creating detailed plans that outline the future care needs of individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic illnesses following a reliable, repeatable, and transparent methodology. 

Certification not only validates a planner’s expertise but also provides assurance to attorneys and clients that the planner adheres to industry standards of best practice. Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning (ICLCP), emphasizes the importance of certification in delivering exceptional services including life care planning, plan rebuttal, and expert witness.

What is Life Care Planning Certification?

Life care planning certification, such as the Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) designation, is a professional credential issued by the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC) that demonstrates a planner’s knowledge and skills in developing comprehensive life care plans. 

Certification programs typically involve rigorous coursework (120 hours of post graduate training), practical experience, completion of a life care plan that is peer-reviewed and passing a standardized exam. These programs cover various aspects of life care planning including methodology, including medical knowledge, assessment techniques, and ethical standards.

Other recognized board certifications include the Certified Nurse Life Care Planner (CNLCP) credential granted by the Certified Nurse Life Care Planner Certification Board (CNLCPCB).

5 Benefits of Certification in Life Care Planning

1. Ensures Professional Competence

Certification ensures that life care planners have the necessary training and expertise to create accurate and reliable life care plans. It demonstrates that the planner has met specific educational and professional requirements, which are essential for developing plans that reflect the true needs of individuals with severe injuries or illnesses.

2. Enhances Credibility

For attorneys and clients, working with a certified life care planner provides confidence in the planner’s abilities. Certification in Life Care Planning provides professionals with a recognized credential that enhances their credibility as expert witnesses under the Daubert standard. This credential signifies rigorous training and expertise, which courts often look for in evaluating the admissibility of expert testimony. Additionally, certification ensures that life care planners possess standardized knowledge and skills. This consistency is crucial under the Daubert standard, which requires that expert testimony is based on reliable principles and methods that have been properly applied to the facts of the case.

3. Adherence to Ethical Standards

Certified life care planners are bound by a code of ethics that guides their professional conduct. This include s maintaining objectivity, integrity, and transparency in their work, which is essential for meeting the Daubert standard’s requirement for unbiased and reliable testimony. Ethical adherence strengthens the trustworthiness of the expert’s opinions and methodologies..

4. Continuous Professional Development

Certification requires life care planners to engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain the credential. This means staying updated with the latest advancements in medical care, rehabilitation, and legal regulations. Continuous learning ensures that certified planners are equipped with current knowledge and skills to provide the best possible service to their clients while meeting the Daubert standard’s requirement for up-to-date and relevant expertise.

5. Improves Case Outcomes

Certified life care planners bring a high level of expertise to the table, which can significantly influence the outcome of medical legal cases. Their detailed and accurate assessments help attorneys build stronger cases, which can lead to more favorable outcomes. Certification ensures that planners can effectively communicate complex medical needs and future care requirements, making a substantial difference in and outside the courtroom.

The Certification Process

The process of becoming a certified life care planner through ICHCC involves several steps:

  1. Educational Requirements: Candidates must complete specific coursework (120 hours) related to life care planning, covering medical, legal, and ethical aspects of the profession.
  2. Practical Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of field experience within the 5 years preceding their application for certification.
  3. Standardized Exam: Passing a comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in life care planning.
  4. Ongoing Education: Certified planners must engage in continuous professional development (80 CEUs) every 5 years to maintain their certification (CLCP).

Conclusion

Certification is a vital aspect of life care planning that ensures planners are well-equipped to provide high-quality, reliable services. It enhances professional credibility, adherence to ethical standards, and continuous professional development, all of which contribute to better case outcomes. Moreover, certification strengthens the ability to meet Daubert standards, ensuring that expert testimony is both credible and admissible in court.

Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning (ICLCP) exemplifies the importance of certification in delivering exceptional life care planning services across the United States.

Contact Us today or call us at (904) 201-9067 to get a certified life care planner at your service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP)? 

A Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) is a professional who has completed specialized training and passed a standardized exam, demonstrating their expertise in developing comprehensive life care plans for individuals with severe injuries or chronic illnesses.

Why is certification important for life care planners? 

Certification ensures that life care planners have the necessary knowledge and skills to create accurate and reliable life care plans. It also enhances their credibility and adherence to ethical standards, which is crucial for legal cases.

How does certification improve the quality of life care plans? 

Certified life care planners are trained to utilize standardized methodologies and adhere to established standards of practice and performance. Their practice is informed by the latest consensus statements in the field, as well as the most current medical and legal developments. This ensures that the life care plans they develop are comprehensive, evidence-based, and precisely tailored to the individual’s needs.

Can certified life care planners provide expert testimony in court? 

Yes, certified life care planners often serve as expert witnesses in court, providing testimony that clarifies medical needs and future care requirements. Their certification enhances the credibility and reliability of their testimony, making it more authoritative and trustworthy to the triers of facts.

What is involved in the certification process for life care planners? 

The certification process for life care planners involves several key components to ensure the highest standards of professional practice. Candidates must complete specific educational requirements, which typically include advanced coursework in life care planning, medical knowledge, and related fields. Additionally, they must gain practical experience, often requiring a minimum of three years in the field within the five years preceding their application.

Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that assesses their knowledge, skills, and ability to apply standardized methodologies in life care planning. Furthermore, certified life care planners are required to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their certification. This continuous learning ensures they stay current with the latest advancements in medical science, legal developments, and industry best practices, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of the life care plans they produce.

Each certifying body may have additional requirements beyond those mentioned above.

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