Q: What is the purpose or mission of AzAHQ?
A: AzAHQ’s mission is to serve as a resource to advance healthcare quality within Arizona, through leadership, education and communication. We value professional growth through education, leadership, customer service, teamwork, and integrity.

Q: How do I join?
A: You can join through the AzAHQ website by clicking on this link Join Now!

Q: When are my dues for AzAHQ due?
A: Your membership is active for one full year from your date of joining or renewing. You will get an email notification when it is time to pay dues again. Be sure to keep you e-mail address current so you will receive these notifications and others when they are sent out.

Q: How can I get involved in AzAHQ?
A: AzAHQ is anxious for your help. Contact the AzAHQ President through the link on the website to get started.

Q: When and where are the meetings?
A: The Arizona Association for Healthcare Quality (AzAHQ) conducts General Membership meetings conveniently during the lunch breaks of at least two educational sessions annually. Board meetings are held at the conclusion of each educational session in addition to the first meeting of the new Board each year. Meetings and educational sessions are held in a central location, usually in the Chandler area with close freeway access to accommodate participation from members throughout the state.

Q: What goes on in the meetings?
A: The meetings provide an opportunity for members of the Association to learn what activities the Association is working on, including educational opportunities, work with the National Association, and the financial status of the Association. Members are invited to provide input and ideas at the meetings regarding how the Association can better meet the needs its membership.

Q: I think I would like to serve on the AzAHQ board of directors. How do I go about doing that?
A: AzAHQ wants you! Please contact the AzAHQ Past President for information about each position and much, much more.

Q: Does AzAHQ publish a newsletter?
A: Yes. The Association publishes at least three (3) newsletters each year. Content varies depending on articles submitted by members and current topics in healthcare quality. There are also sections pertaining to upcoming educational events, Board activities, and the Association calendar, to name a few. The newsletter is available to anyone who visits the website and is sent out be e-mail to all active members at the time of release. Be sure to keep you e-mail contact up to date so you will receive it.

Q: How can I get information in the AzAHQ newsletter?
A: We are anxious to publish information from members. Send your information to the AzAHQ Communications Team-Leader. Use the Leadership Board page to find that contact, then click on his/her name to open an e-mail message you can complete and send.

Q: Where do I find information about the AzAHQ educational opportunities?
A: Go to the Education page of the Association’s website to find upcoming topics and dates.

Q: How often will education opportunities be offered?
A: AzAHQ provides a minimum of 2-full day education sessions (Spring and Fall) as well as a half-day session in the summer.

Q: How do I submit recommendations for AzAHQ educational topics?
A: Please use the Contact Us section of the Association website. If possible, please provide suggested speakers for the topic.

Q: Does my active membership save me money on education sessions?
A: Yes. Members save $35 on each educational conference. Since membership is only $35 per year, you save $70 if you attend all three education conferences each year. Plus, the invaluable benefit of the networking opportunities at each session is a bonus.

Q: What is NAHQ?
A: NAHQ is the National Association for Healthcare Quality. It is the nation’s leading organization for healthcare quality professionals. Founded in 1976, NAHQ currently has more than 5,000 individual members and 100 institutional members.

Q: What is the relationship between AzAHQ and NAHQ?
A: The Arizona Association for Healthcare Quality (AzAHQ) is the State Chapter of the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

Q: What role does AzAHQ play in the NAHQ annual convention?
A: AzAHQ is an affiliated organization of NAHQ. The president and president-elect of AzAHQ attend the NAHQ Leadership meeting. There is an annual business meeting for all members, including AzAHQ members. The NAHQ annual convention provides outstanding educational opportunities for attendees, as well as opportunities to network, and an exhibit hall with information on the latest products.

Q: Do I automatically belong to the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) if I join AzAHQ?
A: No. NAHQ is a separate organization. AzAHQ is an affiliated state quality organization of NAHQ. Membership in each organization is managed separately. Use this link to initiate or renew AzAHQ membership and these links to initiate or renew NAHQ membership.

Q: What are the benefits of joining the AzAHQ if I belong to NAHQ?
A: Joining AzAHQ will provide you with the opportunity to attend local educational programs at a discounted member fee. These programs provide information on the latest quality topics, as well as CEUs which can be used for CPHQ and other recertifications. In addition, you have the opportunity to network with local healthcare quality professionals at programs and through the AzAHQ list serve.

Q: Should I also join NAHQ?
A: Yes! In order for AzAHQ to maintain its association with NAHQ, at least 25% of AzAHQ members must also be NAHQ members.

Q: How can I find out about a CPHQ course:?
A: Check the Education section of the AzAHQ website for information on CPHQ courses or contact Nancy Claflin at nancy.claflin@va.gov.

Q: Does AzAHQ membership help me prepare for CPHQ certification?
A: Yes. AzAHQ’s educational programs will provide you with information that is covered on the CPHQ exam. You also have the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the state, meeting colleagues who may also be taking the exam, as well as CPHQs who have already taken the exam. In addition, AzAHQ offers a CPHQ preparation course at least annually, with a discounted fee for AzAHQ members.

Q: Are there resources available to help study for the CPHQ certification exam?
A: The Healthcare Quality Certification Board lists the following resources for studying for the CPHQ exam:

1. CPHQ Practice Examination is available at LXRStore.
2. “Using Data for Improvement – A Toolkit”, an educational DVD on the basics of using data for QI by Sandra K. Murray, available through the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), 4700 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025-1485, 800-966-9392, international 847-375-4720, FAX 847-375-6320, or at the NAHQ website.
3. Q Solutions is a valuable resource for any healthcare quality professional seeking certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), particularly in conjunction with the Healthcare Quality Management: Review and Study Session
   offered by NAHQ. To learn more about the product and to order online visit NAHQ.
4. Handbook for Improvement – 3rd Edition. 209 10th Avenue South, Suite 154, Nashville, TN 37203.
5. The Healthcare Quality Handbook: A Professional Resource and Study Guide, published by Janet A. Brown, RN, CPHQ,
   JB Quality Solutions, Inc., 2309 Paloma Street, Pasadena, CA
   91104, international 626-797-3074, FAX 626-797-3864, e-mail jbrown@jbqualitysolutions.com, www.jbqualitysolutions.com. Workshop audio tapes or CDs also available.
6. Hospital Peer Review published by American Health Consultants, Inc., 3525 Piedmont Road, Building Six, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30305, international 404-262-7436, 800-688-2421, FAX 404-262-7837, or online.

Q: My organization is sponsoring an educational opportunity. How can I send this information to other AzAHQ members?
A: Active members can send information directly to all other active members by sending an e-mail message to az_watch@azahq.org. Just click on the link to open an e-mail or paste the address into the appropriate field in your e-mail system. Your message will be sent out to all current members. Recipients will be able to respond directly to you, the sender.

Q: How can I send out information on a job that is available at my facility?
A: AzAHQ has a page specifically for this task. Click this link ¤ to go directly to that page.