A while back when I got blasted on this list, THIS IS WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY!  By
making cert volunatry, it detracts from the credentail itself!  Don't want to rehash old
stuff but I see this as a BIG problem if IBCLC are going to remain getting reimbursed
for their time by insurance co and get jobs working in anything other than private
practice.  If the field had standardised education and certification had more weight to
it, I think things would be going better.  Very few PA hospitals that I am familiar with
REQUIRE certification.  The exclusivity just isn't there and unfortunately, it is often
not to the hospital's advantage to pay and IBCLC when they can have a LLL leader or
student LC for free.  Glad it's not my call!
--
Melissa Brancho
The Nursing Corner
RD 7 Box 382
Bedford, PA  15522
Fax & Voice: 814-623-9357
E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]