Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Mettu Children's Hospital has been named a Certified Autism
Center (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards
(IBCCES). The CAC credential requires at least 80% of public-facing staff to undergo IBCCES
training in autism and sensory differences.

This certification aims to better prepare staff and management to treat individuals with autism
or sensory requirements, as those 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.

“As the rates of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continue to rise in our region, and
with the Appalachian Valley Autism (AVA) Center treating many of those children, it is critical
our departments undergo these types of training. Our goal is to ensure our staff members gain
the knowledge and the skills required to provide the best care possible for all our patients,” said
Tondra Blevins, RNC, PMC Director of Women and Children Services. “The journey to becoming
a Certified Autism Center has further expanded our knowledge and allows us to treat our
patients better, not only from an outpatient status but an inpatient status as well.”

PMC has worked with IBCCES, a global leader in online training and certification programs, to
be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) in several other departments as well, including
the Appalachian Valley Autism (AVA) Center, the Urgent Care and Family Wellness Center and
the Emergency Department (ED). These teams have also completed training and certification in
best practices when assisting patients on the autism spectrum.

For more information about the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education
Standards, visit www.ibcces.org. For more information about Pikeville Medical Center, visit
www.pikevillehospital.org.