Pikeville Medical Center’s Emergency Department, a Pediatric Ready Emergency Department, is now the first ER in Kentucky to become a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Pikeville’s ED is deemed one of only four hospitals in Kentucky to be Pediatric Ready by the Kentucky Emergency Medical Services for Children (KYEMSC) Program, which makes their autism training and certification vital to caring for all patients, including those with autism.

“The growing number of patients we see in the ED highlights a need for us to provide this new addition for our pediatric patients, close to home,” said Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) ED Director, Dale Morton. “We will be able to offer patients the same quality care without traveling outside of the area in a more pediatric friendly atmosphere.”

One in fifty-four children are diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC, and many more children and adults are on the autism spectrum but are undiagnosed. The IBCCES CAC designation requires staff to complete autism training and certification to ensure they can better treat and manage the care of patients on the autism spectrum or with sensory needs.

“Receiving this recognition could not have come at a better time. Pikeville Medical Center is growing in leaps and bounds when it comes to pediatric care,” said Clinical Manager of the PMC ED Brandi Adkins, RN, BSN. “With the announcement and upcoming construction of the children’s hospital and the development of a pediatric wing within our emergency department, this recognition is a great starting point for what is to come at PMC.”

Individuals with autism typically have different needs related to communication, pain perception, and other treatments. The IBCCES program was created by clinical experts as well as individuals on the autism spectrum to ensure a well-rounded approach.  Offering care that includes a patient’s family in each step of the process will continue and remain a primary goal of Pikeville’s ED, as the doctors and nurses are specially trained to treat pediatric patients.

“Being awarded this certification is a true honor,” said Megan Allen, Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator at PMC. “It’s hard to put into words how proud I am, not only of our Emergency Department but our facility as a whole. We are doing great things here at PMC, with making advancements in the care of our pediatric population a top priority.”

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts as well as individuals with autism in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of common needs for individuals with these disorders, new research, and industry best practices from experts in a variety of specialties.

“IBCCES is thrilled to announce the commitment to excellence Pikeville Medical Center Emergency Department has made. Individuals with autism need providers who truly understand their needs to ensure the best experience possible,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.