Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) Update

The Role of the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) and Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) in the Hybrid Suite / Operating Room

As percutaneous interventions and minimally invasive surgical procedures have evolved, a new approach to endovascular procedures has emerged. The “Hybrid Suite” or “Interventional Operating Room” blends the benefits and capabilities of interventional cardiology and electrophysiology with cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. The RCIS Scope of Practice from the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) states that a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) “operates under the direct supervision of a board certified or eligible physician with privileges to perform invasive cardiovascular procedures at their medical facility. These physician specialists may include: Cardiologists, Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Radiologists, Vascular Medicine Specialists, Vascular Surgeons, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, and Doctor[s] of Osteopath[y].”¹ Additionally, the Scope of Practice states that the RCIS “assists or performs procedures under direct supervision in the CCL/ICL or other procedure areas such as: Radiology, Operating Room, Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Clinic, or other areas as necessitated or allowed by circumstances and equipment availability.”¹

The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Position Statement on Allied Health Care Providers and Support Personnel in the Perioperative Practice Setting affirms that “skilled and competent allied health care providers and support personnel are valued members of the perioperative care team. They contribute to safe patient care and positive patient outcomes. Allied health care providers should be graduates of accredited education programs or should successfully complete a specialty certification process.”² The SICP maintains that all non-physician Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CCL) / Invasive Cardiovascular Laboratory (ICL) professionals should demonstrate knowledge through the achievement of the invasive cardiovascular credential RCIS as administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). All non-physician Electrophysiology professionals should demonstrate knowledge through the achievement of the credential Registered Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) administered through CCI, or certification through the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE). 

It is the position of the SICP that the RCIS and RCES credentials are in line with the AORN Position Statement on Allied Health Care Providers and Support Personnel in the Perioperative Practice Setting. A mechanism for orientation, continuing education, and verification of clinical competencies of all personnel performing or assisting with procedures should be in place and reviewed annually. 

References

1. Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals. (2010). Scope of Practice for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist. Retrieved from: https://www.sicp.comhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/HMP/hmp_ln/imported/2010_Scope_of_Practice_for_the_RCIS_10-18_0.pdf 

2. Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses. (2006). Position Statement on Allied Health Care Providers and Support Personnel in the Perioperative Practice Setting. Retrieved from: https://www.aorn.org/Clinical_Practice/
Position_Statements/Position_Statements.aspx#axzz2I3x9MsEy 

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SICP Position Statement

As an inclusive invasive Cardiovascular Professional Society, the SICP recognizes a number of health care professional credentials [i.e., RCIS, RCES, RN, RT (R), RRT, etc.] that have been validated, earned, and are recognized and endorsed by physician-based professional societies. 

The SICP believes that there should be a valid process in the development and administration of credentialing programs. Such programs are administered by credentialing bodies whose certification programs have gained accreditation status from organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and do not support the practice of granting honorary or “grandfathering” credentials to those individuals who never completed the certifying process. 

At this time, without the external validation and the endorsement of the physician-based cardiology professional societies nor verification of a valid development and administration of their credentials, the SICP does not formally recognize the Registered Cardiovascular Specialist Assistant (RCSA) as a validated endorsed credential nor the International Council for Certification of Cardiovascular Specialists and Assistants, Inc. as a valid credentialing body.

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SICP Central California Valley Chapter

By Leslie Pollard, Secretary, SICP-CCVC

The Central California Valley Chapter of the SICP continues to hold monthly educational events.

In October, our Chapter held an “Educational Evening” presented by Daiichi Snkyo, Inc., featuring Bibin K. Joshi, MD, FSCAI, who spoke about “Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome Managed with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.” We had a stellar attendance of 55 people, and issued one CEU for participation.

The Chapter sponsored the SICP’s two-day Review Course for RCIS & RCES Exam at Kaweah Delta Medical Center in November. We had 62 attendees from seven different states, and three fantastic speakers. It was a learning-filled weekend, and many thanks go out to all who helped to make it happen!

A second “Educational Evening” was again presented by Daiichi Snkyo, Inc. in December, and one CEU was given out for attendance. This month’s featured speaker was Nancy Skinner, RB-BC, CCM, who managed to keep all 41 attendees engaged on the topic of “Case Management: Achieving Quality in Value Based Purchasing.” Many commented that it was so good and informative, it should be a mandatory engagement for all hospital staff.