First Standardized Cardiac Pacing Exam for Japanese Allied Professionals
International Board sees partnership as model for future global testing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
202-464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org

The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) this weekend issues the first standardized cardiac pacing exam for Japanese allied professionals. This marks the first time the IBHRE exam, considered the highest benchmark of professional competency in cardiac pacing, defibrillation and electrophysiology, will be tailored to the needs of a global health care system outside of the U.S.

“With the ICD growth rate around 50 percent and no signs of decreasing, the importance of credentialing Japanese professionals is all the more urgent,” said Charles J. Love, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHRS, CCDS, President of the IBHRE Board of Directors. “Newer devices are highly complex and require a much greater level of technical knowledge and expertise to implant and maintain.”

Formerly known as NASPExAM, IBHRE was founded in 1985 to provide an examination in the fields of cardiac pacing and implantable cardioversion defibrillation. Originally created for physicians and surgeons, the exam was later developed for allied professionals to raise the level of professionalism and academic credibility in cardiac pacing.

“Given the growing number of heart rhythm patients around the world and the variations of health care systems globally, the need for certification and credentialing is of utmost importance to enhance positive patient care,” said Love.

The Japanese Ministry of Health has mandated that in addition to allied professionals, sales representatives, technical advisors and anyone else having contact with patients from the medical device industry must be certified. This mandate is meant to ensure a meaningful standard of knowledge for those involved in assisting physicians and other health care workers in the implantation and management of pacemakers and ICDs.

More than 7,000 individuals in the U.S. have taken the IBHRE exam to date. A full 644 allied professionals in Japan are already signed up to take the first of its kind computer-based test. Results will be announced in March 2008.

About IBHRE
An affiliate, independent body of the Heart Rhythm Society, IBHRE is enriched by cardiac arrhythmia health care professionals who strive for excellence and optimal health care by passing this distinguished exam. Participation in the exam is consistent with the Heart Rhythm Society’s overall purpose to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Working together to standardize the profession, IBHRE and the Heart Rhythm Society provide the most current testing and professional development tools with advances in heart rhythm management to enhance knowledge and delivery of health care to patients. More information can be found at www.ibhre.org.