A certified life care planner is an expert who works closely with individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries or those with chronic illnesses. Their primary responsibility is to assess the future care needs of these individuals and develop comprehensive care plans tailored to their specific requirements.
To fulfill their role effectively, life care planners conduct thorough evaluations of the individual’s medical history, current condition, and prognosis. They collaborate with healthcare professionals, therapists, and specialists to gain a holistic understanding of the individual’s needs. This comprehensive assessment enables them to anticipate the medical, therapeutic, and support services required in the future.
The responsibilities of a certified life care planner are multifaceted. They include:
To become a certified life care planner, individuals must possess a unique set of skills and qualifications. These include:
Certified life care planners play a crucial role in various legal cases, particularly those involving personal injury, medical malpractice, or workers’ compensation claims. Their expertise is invaluable in assessing the future care needs of an individual and determining the associated costs. This information is essential for accurately calculating damages and ensuring that the injured party receives fair compensation.
In personal injury cases, life care planners provide objective assessments that help establish the extent of the injury and the impact it will have on the individual’s future. By quantifying the necessary care and support services, they assist in calculating the economic damages associated with the injury.
In medical malpractice cases, life care planners analyze the medical records and evaluate whether the standard of care was met. They identify any deviations from the expected course of treatment and provide expert opinions on the future care needs resulting from medical negligence.
Certification as a Life Care Planner is crucial for establishing credibility and demonstrating expertise in the field. The certification process ensures that professionals have met rigorous standards of education, training, and experience. It also provides assurance to clients and employers that the Certified Life Care Planner possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to develop effective care plans.
The International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC) is the leading authority for Life Care Planner certification. The ICHCC offers the Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) certification, which is widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry. To become a CLCP, healthcare professionals must meet specific requirements and successfully complete a comprehensive training program.
The process of obtaining CLCP certification involves several steps:
Becoming a Certified Life Care Planner opens up a range of career opportunities in various settings, including insurance companies, law firms, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. Certified Life Care Planners may also choose to start their own consultation businesses, providing services to private clients.
The demand for Certified Life Care Planners is high, with a limited supply of professionals in the field. This shortage creates excellent job prospects and the potential for higher salaries. According to a survey by the International Commission on Health Care Certification, salaries for CLCPs can range from $80 to $150 per hour, depending on factors such as experience, geographic location, and job responsibilities. Estimates published by Zip Recruiter report average salaries of $65,819 per year, with the highest earning professionals making over $107,000.