There have been growing questions about the competency of the healthcare workforce in the United States. The pace of change within the healthcare field has raised concerns about whether providers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to navigate current systems of care. These concerns have been exacerbated by data on the frequency of patient injuries and deaths as a result of errors in care (Institute of Medicine, 2000, 2001).
Competency-based approaches to training, assessment, and staff development are increasingly viewed as a central strategy for improving the effectiveness of those who provide care (Institute of Medicine, 2003). The adoption of such approaches is occurring in behavioral health, as