A new association has launched to represent medical professionals and chaplains who incorporate faith into patient care.

The Spiritual Care Association is a 501(c)6 organization that promotes itself as the first professional membership organization for spiritual care practitioners, including doctors, nurses, chaplains or social workers. The group is based in New York City and is affiliated with the HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, a nonprofit organization that offers chaplain services to hospitals and other health care providers.

"As health care providers emphasize the delivery of positive patient experience, the Spiritual Care Association has been established to lead the way to educate, certify, credential and advocate," said Eric Hall, CEO of both the new association and the HealthCare Chaplaincy Network. "Its goal is for more people in need, regardless of religion, beliefs, or cultural identification, to receive effective spiritual care in all types of institutional and community settings in the U.S. and internationally."

SCA will offer training and certification. It also plans to advocate on behalf of spiritual care providers, giving the profession "a seat at the table when major decisions are being made about policy and reimbursement for inpatient, outpatient and home care," according to its website.

Membership rates range from a low of $50 for certain individuals to $500 a year for organizations. www.spiritualcareassociation.org

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Pool associations announce merger
• Gas Processors Association rebrands for fifth time
• American Library Association ranks Bible among most challenged books
• Tobacco association to drop trade show, focus on policy
• Fly-ins this week feature STEM and GRAMMYS on the Hill