AIHCP launches medical malpractice consulting certification program

By AI, Created 10:06 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The American Institute of Health Care Professionals has introduced a new certification path for licensed health care practitioners entering medical malpractice consulting. The online program requires at least 210 hours of study and ends with the Certified Health Care Legal and Malpractice Consultant credential.

Why it matters: - The new credential is aimed at health care professionals who want to move into medical-legal consulting work. - The certification is designed to strengthen marketability, expand career options and signal specialized expertise to law firms, insurers and health care organizations. - The program could help more clinicians evaluate malpractice cases, analyze records and advise legal teams.

What happened: - The American Institute of Health Care Professionals announced a Health Care Legal and Malpractice Consulting Certification program on May 7, 2026. - The program is open to qualified health care practitioners seeking training in medical malpractice consulting. - Candidates who complete the program earn the title Certified Health Care Legal and Malpractice Consultant. - The credential is valid for four years and can be renewed through a recertification process.

The details: - The certification requires a minimum of 210 hours of intensive study. - AIHCP provides a complete online curriculum for the program. - The curriculum is available in online classrooms, and students have up to two years to finish it. - The coursework includes board-approved courses and a certificate of completion for the courses. - The target audience includes registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, therapists and health care executives. - The curriculum focuses on standards of practice, clinical record review, case analysis and legal and malpractice consulting skills. - Mark C. Barabas, DHA, LFACHE, teaches and mentors the theory and application courses. - Barabas is a longtime acute care and hospital systems CEO, health care consultant and senior member of AIHCP’s advisory board. - The final practicum covers real malpractice cases and an actual case analysis. - Dominick L. Flarey, Ph.D., RN, ANP-BC, LNC-CSp., mentors the practicum. - Flarey is president and executive director of AIHCP and serves as an instructor and mentor for the organization’s legal nurse consulting certification program.

Between the lines: - AIHCP is positioning the program as both a continuing education offering and a career ladder for clinicians moving beyond traditional bedside or clinical roles. - The structure suggests a focus on practical application, not just classroom learning, through case study and mentorship. - The four-year renewal cycle indicates AIHCP is emphasizing ongoing education and maintenance of standards. - The announcement also broadens AIHCP’s portfolio of specialty certifications in adjacent health care consulting fields.

What’s next: - Qualified applicants can enroll in the online curriculum now. - Participants who complete the study requirements and practicum can apply the certification in professional settings. - Certified professionals may renew their status after four years through the recertification process. - More information is available in AIHCP’s legal nurse consulting and related education section.

The bottom line: - AIHCP is adding a formal pathway for clinicians who want to build medical malpractice consulting credentials and move into legal-advisory work.