The Role of the American Red Cross Authorized Provider

Authorized providers have a long history of working with the Red Cross to provide training and information in first aid and CPR, swimming and water safety, and caregiving. Authorized providers are collaborators with the Red Cross in providing quality Health and Safety Services training in local communities. Whether providing training for their own employees, volunteers, clients or members of the community, authorized providers have an obligation to provide the highest quality training possible.

As an authorized provider you have agreed, through the Authorized Provider Agreement, to provide American Red Cross instructional programs in accordance with the standards and objectives of the program you desire to offer. The Authorized Provider Agreement provides an outline of the mutual expectations, rights and responsibilities of both the Red Cross chapter and the authorized provider. Following the guidelines in this document ensures the integrity of American Red Cross programs and protects all parties involved—the authorized provider, the Red Cross and the instructor. The agreement also outlines in writing how you will do business with the Red Cross.

Red Cross Responsibilities to the Authorized Provider
To assist you in offering quality training, the Red Cross is committed to providing the following responsibilities to authorized providers:

• Designate an individual to serve as your primary contact
• Provide the finest programs based on research and input from our customers
• Properly train your instructors
• Ensure the quality of the program through ongoing evaluations and program development
• Provide open communications with you
• Provide information that you need to offer quality training as well as meet your training responsibilities
• Provide services to you at a fair price, based on value
• Provide American Red Cross course completion certificates in a timely manner
• Maintain your instructors’ records
• Reauthorize your instructors who meet the criteria
• Maintain course records for five years
• Develop course curriculum and materials
• Provide timely updates and information to instructors
• Adhere to the terms of the Authorized Provider Agreement
• Provide technical assistance to instructors
• Provide a quality assurance program

Give permission to use the Red Cross name and emblem in promotion of Red Cross instructional programs (in strict accordance with Red Cross policies and procedures)

Provide flyers, brochures, posters and other course promotional materials

Authorized Provider’s Responsibilities
As an Authorized Provider, you also have responsibilities that are outlined in detail in the Authorized Provider Agreement. The following are the basic responsibilities of the Authorized Provider:

• Designate an individual to be the primary contact to the Red Cross
• Identify only individuals who are qualified to be instructor candidates
• Submit properly completed records and reports in the designated time frames
• Keep the Red Cross informed of changes in an instructor’s status
• Support instructors’ adherence to Red Cross policies and procedures
• Respect the copyrighted materials, name and emblem of the American Red Cross
• Assist the Red Cross in resolving issues that may arise with instructors
• Maintain a safe environment suitable for the delivery of the programs
• Maintain open communications with the Red Cross
• Adhere to the terms of the Authorized Provider Agreement

Inform course participants that the training is an American Red Cross course; the instructor should show visual Red Cross identification during the training.