James Hensley, MLS(ASCP), CIC, MBA, CPHQ, has been named Assistant Vice President of Infection Prevention for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system. 

Dena Sparkman, Vice President of Clinical Excellence, comments, “James brings an enormous amount of both intelligence and innovation to this AVP position. He has a dedication to ensuring our patients and staff receive high-quality infection-free care.” 

Hensley started his career about 15 years ago as a lead medical laboratory scientist. He came to ARH in 2017 as the Infection Control Coordinator for Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center. He became the Director of Process and Performance for the hospital just two years later. In 2020, Hensley moved into the role of the Director of Infection Prevention for the ARH healthcare system.

Hensley says his new role centers on targeting the reduction of both healthcare-acquired and occupational infections, with the goal being to improve clinical outcomes and provide an even safer workplace environment. He will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of infection prevention programs and processes across the full continuum of care throughout the ARH system. This role will expand collaboration opportunities and integration to strengthen a unified approach to patient safety.

Hensley obtained his MBA in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University in 2021. As an honors student, he obtained his B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science and Biology from Eastern Kentucky University.

Hensley holds certifications as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (MLS-ASCP), in Infection Control by the Certification Board for Infection Control (CIC), and as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

In addition to serving on various committees and being a founding member of the Eastern Kentucky HAI/AR Collaborative, Hensley has presented at national, state, and regional professional conferences.

“In 2017, when my journey with ARH began, my long-term goal was to see ARH realize its true potential with Infection Prevention and patient safety. This goal has served as a pathway to instituting advanced data-driven processes, best practices, and new program structures through innovation. All of these are contributing to outstanding infection rate reductions across the system and establishing ARH as a leader in Infection Prevention. I am looking forward to continuing chasing that goal with my best efforts in infection prevention and my duty to keep our staff, patients and communities safe. I am thankful for the opportunity, and I am beyond excited to continue the great honor of serving the healthcare of our Appalachian communities.