About us

Our Mission

The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) is dedicated to developing and upholding standards of excellence for the patient advocacy profession. Our mission is to enhance the quality of patient care by certifying professionals who demonstrate the highest levels of competency, ethics, and knowledge in the field.

Our Story

Founded on the principle that patient and health care advocates play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, PACB has been at the forefront of professionalizing this vital field. We recognize that effective patient advocacy requires a deep understanding of medical ethics, communication skills, healthcare navigation, and the ability to empower patients and their families.

What We Do

PACB provides a rigorous certification process for individuals seeking to become Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA). This certification signifies that an individual has met stringent professional standards and is equipped to provide high-quality advocacy services. Our certification program is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge and involves a thorough examination process to ensure that certified advocates possess the necessary skills and knowledge.

Our Process

Our certification process is meticulous and thorough, involving:

Research and Development: We collaborate with leading subject matter experts to develop a robust framework of standards and competencies.
Examination: Our rigorous examination assesses candidates on their proficiency in core advocacy principles and their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Continuing Education: To maintain certification, advocates must engage in ongoing professional development, ensuring they stay current with evolving best practices and ethical standards.

Commitment to Diversity

PACB values the broad knowledge and diverse insights of our professional community. Our publicly released documents and standards reflect the collective contributions of board members, task force members, practitioners, educators, and other professionals. We strive to ensure that our certification standards and practices are inclusive and representative of the diverse patient populations we serve.

Acknowledgments

The field of patient advocacy owes much to the pioneering work of many individuals and organizations. We express our sincere gratitude to the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC), the late H. Kenneth Schueler, and the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA), whose foundational work continues to guide and inspire our efforts.

Join Us

Whether you are an aspiring patient or health care advocate, a seasoned professional, or an organization dedicated to improving patient care, we invite you to join us in advancing the profession of patient and health care advocacy. Together, we can ensure that patients receive the support they need to navigate their healthcare journeys effectively and with confidence.