Who We Are

The purpose of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) is to provide Sterile Processing (SP) professionals with educational opportunities, professional development, and certification.

INSTRUMENTAL TO PATIENT CARE

INSTRUMENTAL TO YOU!

Because Sterile Processing (SP) professionals are responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing, and distributing medical and surgical instrumentation, they are among the most vital contributors to the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. For more than 60 years, HSPA has been providing these professionals with the broadest range of certification and continuing education offerings available, along with the unsurpassed support that only a full-service membership organization can bring.

This commitment to advancing Sterile Processing (SP) knowledge, skill sets and professionalism is why over 50,000 members and certification holders rely on HSPA to keep them sharp, focused and abreast of the very latest standards, best practices and technological advancements impacting the SP profession.

PROFESSIONALS INSTRUMENTAL TO PATIENT SAFETY

VALUES
COMMUNICATION

To share association and profession-related information in an open and timely manner with members, allied partners, associates, and the public

EDUCATION

To advance knowledge and achieve excellence at all levels of Sterile Processing and in associated professions

PROFESSIONALISM

To deliver professional performance and quality through integrity, accountability, trust, ethics, and collaboration

LEADERSHIP

To serve as the leading Sterile Processing organization by providing educational opportunities; creating an environment to promote patient safety; and mentoring and developing new leaders

ADVOCACY

To promote the Sterile Processing profession on international, national, state, and local levels and to support issues that advance the profession and patient safety

EXCELLENCE

To strive for excellence within the Sterile Processing profession by promoting quality performance and education

MISSION

The mission of HSPA is to promote patient safety worldwide by raising the level of expertise and recognition for those in the Sterile Processing profession. HSPA accomplishes this:

  • By providing educational, professional development, certification, communication, and representation opportunities for Sterile Processing professionals;
  • Through collaborative efforts with allied partners, members, and associates; and
  • Through advocacy initiatives for public policy changes.
VISION

Safe patient care for every medical and healthcare procedure through sterile processing.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

Everyone’s Story: HSPA’s Foundation to Patient Safety

Together, we build an inclusive and equitable culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and backgrounds of our members. Our commitment to inclusion spans race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, identity, age, religion, disabilities and experience, allowing us to embrace differences, learn from one another and make continuous improvements, personally and professionally. We believe everyone’s unique qualities and backgrounds help contribute to the success of the Sterile Processing profession and patient safety.

HISTORY AND TIMELINE

HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM) began in 1958 with visionary– Mary Helen Anderson– who gathered like-minded colleagues to share information that related to the Central Service/Sterile Processing profession. Over the ensuing five decades, the Association’s members have built a solid, respectable profession by defining their unique position and establishing training, certification, continuing education, and a quest for quality customer service and patient care.

This is all accomplished in an environment of compassion and dedication — for patients who frequently never know of the Sterile Processing professionals who provided the clean and sterile instruments and equipment that supported their care and recovery.

Together, HSPA and the thousands of members it serves combine the best in human nature–the drive for excellence for the sake and wellbeing of others.

2024

HSPA Membership/Certification
tops 50,000

2022

The Association formerly adopts the new name
Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

2021

IAHCSMM Membership/Certification
tops 40,000

2020

IAHCSMM’s Annual Conference
goes Virtual due to COVID-19.
e-Newsletter,
Central Source,
Gets a New Name – insights

2020s

2019

The Periodical, Communique,
Gets a New Name – PROCESS

2018

IAHCSMM Celebrates
60th Anniversary
IAHCSMM Membership/Certification
tops 30,000

2017

CER
Certification Debuts

2016

IAHCSMM Foundation
Launched

2015

IAHCSMM Celebrates
50th Anniversary

2013

IAHCSMM Membership
tops 20,000

2010

IAHCSMM Government
Affairs / Advocacy program initiated

2010s

2010

CCSVP
Certification Debuts

2009

e-Newsletter
Central Source Debuts

2008

IAHCSMM Celebrates
50th Anniversary in Reno, Nevada

2007

ASHCSP Membership merged with IAHCSMM,
creating one membership and
certifying organization for Central Service

2006

CIS
Certification Debuts

2005

IAHCSMM’s Slogan,
Instrumental to Patient Care, is trademarked

2001

A Discussion Forum
is created on the Association’s Website

2000s

1999

The Website www.iahcsmm.org,
launches;
IAHCSMM Membership reaches 10,000

1989

The Association formerly adopts the new name
International Association of Healthcare Central Service
Material Management (IAHCSMM)

1987

CHL
Certification Debuts

1983

Central Service Week
becomes the 2nd week in October annually

1981

Purdue University
starts offering correspondence training courses

1980s-1990s

1979

Recertification Programs
are put in place

1976

Awards are first given
for outstanding achievements
in Central Service

1971

Formal Certification
begins

1970

The Periodical, Communique,
is Introduced

1964

First Annual Meeting
held in New York, New York

1958

The National Association of Hospital Central
Service is created with a membership of less
than 100 individuals (to later become IAHCSMM)

1958-1970s
50,000

Certification Holders & Members

5

Certifications Offered

60+

Years of Experience