1. What is an Authorized Service Provider?
   
   
2. When do I have to fill out an Authorized Provider Agreement?
   
   
3. Do I have to make an Authorized Provider Agreement for myself as an instructor or the organization that I teach for?
   
   
4. What costs are involved in becoming an Authorized Provider?
   
   
5. What is the difference between a certificate and a completion card for Red Cross courses?
   
   
6. My company contracts with other agencies for services. Can we offer classes to our customers as well as our employees?
   
   
7. My company has offices in other cities that are outside the jurisdiction of my local American Red Cross chapter. Can I train employees in other cities?
   
   
8. Whose responsibility is it to maintain instructor records?
   
   

Q. What is an Authorized Service Provider?

A. An Authorized Provider is an individual or organization that has a Red Cross-trained instructor who can provide American Red Cross Health & Safety programs in-house. By becoming an Authorized Provider, you can build your own training team to teach Health & Safety courses to employees of your business or members of your organization. Contact the American Red Cross of Central Florida at (407) 894-4141 for information about these and other programs.

Becoming an Authorized Provider gives your organization more flexibility. Build the Health & Safety program that's right for you. Many of our courses have a modular format, enabling you to customize the program to the needs of your organization. New, streamlined Workplace Training Programs mean shorter instruction time, making it even easier to fit training into busy schedules. By becoming an Authorized Provider, your organization can conduct classes when and wherever you choose. Plus, you have in-house experts available when you need them and direct technical support from American Red Cross chapters.

Your organization will benefit in many ways. By becoming an Authorized Provider, you can:

• Offer training as a benefit for your employees or members
• Address regulatory issues specific to your business or industry
• Train large groups cost effectively
• Build in-house experts who are familiar with site-specific
• emergency procedures and equipment that is unique to your business or industry
• Meet training needs on a regular basis and at your convenience

Red Cross Authorized Providers include many types of organizations. There are already many organizations like yours who have signed on as Authorized Providers. These include:

• Businesses
• Child care centers
• Clubs and community groups
• Colleges and universities
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Fire and rescue services
• Individuals who would like to provide Red Cross courses in their
• communities
• Recreational facilities, including pools
• Religious organizations
• Schools, camps, or other organizations working with young people

Contact your American Red Cross of Central Florida at (407) 894-4141 for more information.

Q. When do I have to fill out an Authorized Provider Agreement?

A. All Authorized Providers (APs) must fill out an Authorized Provider Agreement (APA) prior to January 1, 2002. After January 1, 2002, Course Record Forms submitted by organizations or instructors that do not have an APA on file will be returned without processing.

Q. Do I have to make an Authorized Provider Agreement for myself as an instructor or the organization that I teach for?

A. If you are an ARC instructor who teaches our courses for various sites, you can fill out an APA in your name. When you submit Course Record Forms you would notate your name under name of authorized provider. When you are going to teach in a new training site you would contact Health and Safety Services at (407) 894-4141 and ask to add the site to your agreement. If you are an instructor who teaches regularly in one location or if you are an organization that has ARC instructors, you can fill out an APA under the name of your organization.

Q. What costs are involved in becoming an Authorized Provider?

A. There is no cost to become an Authorized Provider. However, there is a cost for the class materials and the certifications that are provided to participants.

Q. What is the difference between a certificate and a completion card for Red Cross courses?

A. The Red Cross issues certificates for any Health & Safety Services course, component, module or education session that has a completion requirement. Participants receiving a certificate have demonstrated competency in all the required subject areas and/or skills. Examples of courses that have completion requirements and for which certificates are issued are Adult CPR/AED, Standard First Aid, Babysitter's Training, and Lifeguard Training.

For courses without a completion requirement, the Red Cross issues a card indicating that the participant has attended the program. These are often referred to as Has Attended Cards or Has Attended Certificates. This type of card recognizes the recipient's participation in an education session, seminar, presentation, demonstration or program. Examples of programs without a completion requirement for which Has Attended Cards are issued include Longfellow's WHALE Tales and HIV/AIDS education sessions, such as Basic, African American, Hispanic, and Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs.

Q. My company contracts with other agencies for services. Can we offer classes to our customers as well as our employees?

A. Yes. The Authorized Provider system allows you to offer training as a service to your customers, clients, or others in your community. In order to do so, you need to make arrangements and sign an agreement with your local Red Cross chapter.

Q. My company has offices in other cities that are outside the jurisdiction of my local American Red Cross chapter. Can I train employees in other cities?

A. Yes. Our nationwide network of American Red Cross chapters makes it easy for you to train employees throughout the country. For more information about training employees in multiple locations, contact your local American Red Cross and inquire about signing a Multi-Jurisdictional Contract or an Extended Instructor Authorization.

Q. Whose responsibility is it to maintain instructor records?

A. It is the responsibility of the local Red Cross chapter to maintain instructor records. Authorized Providers are not required to maintain instructor records. This is a service that the Red Cross provides as part of the Authorized Provider Agreement.