Healthcare security programs at six Canadian hospitals have received the Program of Distinction Award from the International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety. 

The IAHSS Program of Distinction recognizes security and safety departments within healthcare facilities by measuring the achievement and maintenance of a minimum percentage of IAHSS-certified security personnel. 

The program focuses on the competencies of the facility's security and safety officers and the director as measured through individual certification.

"No other sector of security services requires from its officers such a wide range of practical knowledge . . . to provide a safe and secure environment," Rocky Prosser, director of protection services, Kingston General, Providence Care, Hotel Dieu Hospitals, said in a release.

"The IAHSS Department of Distinction Award says that we have accomplished a level of professionalism and competency that is above the average security service. It speaks to our peers and organizations that we take seriously our responsibility to keep all of our stakeholders safe and secure."