The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) is the only organization solely dedicated to professionals involved in managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare facilities. IAHSS is a professional association with more than 4,000 members who are healthcare security, law enforcement, safety and emergency management leaders.  For over fifty years, IAHSS has educated and served members and the profession by offering exclusive resources and benefits including industry and design guidelines, local and international educational and networking opportunities, and the celebrated bi-annual Journal of Healthcare Protection Management.  IAHSS has certified tens of thousands of dedicated professionals who keep healthcare facilities, patients, staff and visitors safe. IAHSS offers the Basic, Advanced and Supervisor certifications, a Safety Certificate Program, and maintains the prestigious Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) certification, the standard for the healthcare security leader dedicated to the profession.

IAHSS Mission

The mission of IAHSS is simple and straightforward, leading excellence in healthcare security, safety and emergency management .

IAHSS upholds the highest standards for membership and recognizes that the overall quality of healthcare delivery is directly related to the professional services provided. 

IAHSS Strategic Plan

The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan was developed and approved by the IAHSS Board of Directors. This strategic plan will be reviewed regularly by the Board and revised annually, as needed.

IAHSS Code of Ethics for the Security Professional

[The following Code of Ethics was mandated by the Board of Directors as a consideration for membership.]

As a healthcare security professional, I pledge to dedicate myself to providing a safe and secure environment to the people and institution(s) I serve and will behave in a positive and constructive manner; and will use truth, fairness and integrity to guide all my professional decisions and relationships.

1. Support patient care and awareness within my health care facility.  
2. Recognize that my principal responsibilities are the security and/or safety services to the healthcare community I serve.
3. Protect life and property and reduce crime through the implementation of recognized crime prevention and investigative techniques.
4. Provide a safe environment of care to support the mission of the healthcare facility.
   Respect the moral and constitutional rights of all persons while performing my duties without prejudice.
5. Ensure that confidential and privileged information is protected at all times,
6. Maintain open communication with other professionals with whom I conduct business.
7. Strive to further my education and certifications, both academically and technically, while encouraging professional development and/or advancement of other security/safety personnel.
8. Promote and exemplifying the highest standards of integrity to those whom I serve while dedicating myself to my chosen profession.

IAHSS History

In honor of IAHSS' 50th anniversary in 2018, we have posted some throwback articles, photos and milestones for your interest and enjoyment.

IAHSS newsletter articles

• From the I.A.H.S. 1978 newsletter:  1968 - There to Here -  1978

IAHSS photo mosaic unveiled at the 2018 50th Annual Conference & Exhibition

(Click on the image below to view the full details)

IAHSS Timeline of key milestones from 1968 to 2018