RHDS Recertification

The RHDS credential is good for 3 years and expires on the last day of the month in which the credential was obtained. (Example: You passed the exam on September 3, 2022, will need to recertify by September 30, 2025). When you recertify, your credential will be renewed for another 3 years.

Renewal notices are emailed 6 months prior to your credential’s expiration date, with a follow-up reminder mailed to you 90 days prior. All RHDSs are responsible for knowing when their cycle ends. The date of credentialing is denoted on the RHDS certificate.

Download the RHDS Recertification Handbook for complete recertification requirements, policies, and guidance.

The AHDI Recredentialing Resource Guide (.pdf) contains information on preapproved continuing education activities, guidelines on creditworthy activities, and an overview of the CEC categories required for recertification.

NOTE: If you hold multiple AHDI credentials, please refer to the CEC Summary Table for Multiple Credentials for the total number of CECs needed and in which categories.

RHDS Recredentialing Requirements

Earn 20 Continuing Education Credits
Recertify by earning 20 CECs and paying a recredentialing fee. Eighteen credits must be earned in the core areas of Clinical Medicine (6), Technology and Tools (6), Professional Development (4), and Medicolegal Issues (2). The remaining 2 required CECs may be obtained in any of the core areas stated above or the optional area of Complementary Medicine. All 20 credits must be completed prior to the expiration date of the credential. Download the CEC Requirements Table. The cost to recertify by turning in your 20 CECs is $75 for members and $105 for nonmembers.

RHDSs recertifying by turning in 20 CECs prior to the expiration date may submit their completed RHDS Summary Form and the recredentialing fee to AHDI up to 3 months prior to but no later than the expiration date of their credential.

RHDS Forms and Resources (effective May 1, 2020):

Earning Your CHDS

An RHDS may opt to sit for the CHDS exam any time (at least 2 years’ experience in acute care or multispecialty equivalent is strongly recommended, however). If you pass, you relinquish your RHDS credential for the CHDS credential and begin a new recertification cycle for your CHDS. If you do not pass, you continue in your cycle as an RHDS and must meet the recredentialing requirements in order to maintain their RHDS status.

Learn about the level 2 CHDS.

Extensions

RHDSs may purchase a 60-day extension to have more time to turn in continuing education credits (CECs). Extensions must be in writing and accompanied by a $50 extension fee prior to your original recertification deadline. Completion of earning your 20 CECs must take place within the 60-day extension period. To request a 60-day extension, you must email the AHDI Credentialing Department at credentialing@ahdionline.org and call the Credentialing Department to pay the $50 extension fee.

Failure to Recredential

RHDSs are responsible for knowing when their credential expires and for turning in their RHDS Summary Form with 20 earned continuing education credits in the required categories prior to the expiration of their credential. RHDSs must notify AHDI promptly if their contact information changes or if reminders, statements, or recredentialing information have not been received as expected. Failure to recertify your RHDS by the expiration date of your credential will result in your credential expiring. If this happens, you are no longer eligible to identify yourself as an RHDS.

Lapsed Notices, Grace Period, and Reinstatement

RHDSs will receive a lapsed notice if they do not turn in their CECs by their expiration date (or their extension date, if purchased). RHDSs will have 90 days from the date the notice is sent to turn in 20 CECs if they wish to reinstate their credential. In addition to the recredentialing fees, there is a $50 reinstatement fee due at the time of reinstatement.