Small but mighty

Critical Access Hospital Accreditation

Helping you help your community.

I AM:

New to Accreditation

New to ACHC

ACHC-Accredited

Welcome

Service is at the heart of how ACHC works

Our CAH Accreditation Program was awarded initial CMS deeming authority in 2001. Since then, we have helped dozens of organizations gain recognition as critical access hospitals. Beyond that, we’ve supported dozens more as they’ve transitioned from state agency review and other accrediting organizations. These CAHs are seeking timely surveys, consistent interpretation of standards, and perhaps most importantly, a partner in problem solving to enable them to deliver the best possible care for their community.

ACHC delivers.

 

Following the survey, I heard from several staff members how pleased they were with the survey team, how pleasant they were to work with and how willing they were to share information to enhance understanding of the ACHC standards. It was a very positive experience.

- Sparta Community Hospital (IL)

 

[We]

The experience of our initial ACHC survey reflected a comprehensive review of the accreditation standards and was extremely educational for our team. The Surveyors were knowledgeable, courteous, and respectful of the limited resources of our critical access hospital…

- Aultman Orrville Hospital (OH)

The ACHC process: Steps to achieving accreditation

Expect total support.

  • Get Started
  • Presurvey
  • Survey
  • Post-Survey
  • Decision
  • All
Get Started
people

Connect with our Team

We can help you get started.

Presurvey
monitor

Information Form

Register to access the ACHC customer portal.

Presurvey
article

Application

Complete your accreditation application and submit deposit.

Presurvey
people

Verification / Scheduling

Your Account Advisor verifies application completion and advances to Scheduling.

Survey
people

Opening Conference

Surveyor introductions and finalized survey agenda.

Survey
advisor

Onsite Survey

Surveyor observations, interviews, and document review with ongoing Q&A.

Survey
people

Closing Conference

Surveyor general observations and findings.

Survey
people

Final Survey Report

Provided within 10 business days of the last day of survey.

Post-Survey
Check-Circle

Plan of Correction

Submit Plans of Correction (PoC) within 30 days of the final survey report.

Post-Survey
Check-Square

ACHC Reviews PoC

  • PoC accepted or revised (as needed)
  • Final version submitted to the ACHC Review Committee for consideration.
Decision
monitor

Accreditation Decision

Letter sent within five business days of Review Committee decision.

Get Started
people

Connect with our Team

We can help you get started

Presurvey
monitor

Information Form

Register to access the ACHC customer portal.

Presurvey
article

Application

Complete your accreditation application and submit deposit.

Presurvey
people

Verification / Scheduling

Your Account Advisor verifies application completion and advances to Scheduling.

Survey
people

Opening Conference

Surveyor introductions and finalized survey agenda.

Survey
advisor

Onsite Survey

Surveyor observations, interviews, and document review with ongoing Q&A.

Survey
people

Closing Conference

Surveyor general observations and findings.

Survey
people

Final Survey Report

Provided within 10 business days of the last day of survey.

Post-Survey
Check-Circle

Plan of Correction

Submit Plans of Correction (PoC) within 30 days of the final survey report.

Post-Survey
Check-Square

ACHC Reviews PoC

  • PoC accepted or revised (as needed)
  • Final version submitted to the ACHC Review Committee for consideration.
Decision
monitor

Accreditation Decision

Letter sent within five business days of Review Committee decision.

Your Source for Accreditation and Certification

Using a single accreditation resource offers a consistent process and approach, creating opportunity for cost savings while making it easier for staff to understand expectations and align practice across departments and teams. ACHC accreditation programs cover the continuum of care including home health, pharmacy, DMEPOS, and more. CAHs often focus on:

Accreditation

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Critical Access Hospital

Initial, transitioning, and renewal accreditation for small (25 licensed beds or fewer), rural facilities eligible for CMS designation as a critical access hospital (CAH).

Laboratory

Initial, transitioning, and renewal for CLIA laboratories covering all specialties. Learn more.

PCAB

Nonsterile and sterile pharmaceutical compounding, including hazardous drug handling, as applicable. Learn more.

 

Sleep Lab

Initial, transitioning, and renewal for hospital-based testing facilities. Learn more. 

 

Certification

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Joint Replacement

ACHC offers two options for outpatient procedures and an additional level for hospital inpatient procedures: Advanced Joint Replacement, Advanced Joint Replacement with Distinction, Comprehensive Joint Replacement. Learn more

Stroke Care

ACHC offers four options: Stroke Ready, Primary Stroke, Thrombectomy, Comprehensive. Learn more.

Wound Care

ACHC offers two options: Advanced Wound Care and Advanced Wound Care with Distinction. Learn more.

Why choose ACHC?

We represent quality.

We present regulatory requirements as a framework for quality. This supports a culture of continuous improvement through self-assessment, data analysis, and corrective action.

We support risk management.

ACHC standards emphasize intentional planning and consistent implementation of the services you provide.

We are collaborative.

ACHC believes in partnership, not punishment. We succeed when you succeed, so our staff is accessible, and your questions are encouraged before your survey and throughout your accreditation.

We are resource-rich.

From our annual ACHCU Academy to our monthly Coffee Chat to an expanding library of tools and templates, ACHC resources are timely, engaging, and useful.

You gain:

A customized solution

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model for accreditation. ACHC works with you to develop a plan that meets your needs for education as well as for an accreditation survey. 

A knowledge base

We become an extension of your team, adding expertise to support your staff's development. We research regulatory issues at the state and federal level and dig for answers.

A reputation for excellence

ACHC accreditation is a recognized sign of your organization's commitment to quality. It’s an achievement to be proud of and a confirmation of the value you provide to those in your care.

Recent Critical Access Hospital Articles

Clinical and administrative topics

Facilities topics

Are you dreading the arrival of surveyors from the state or another accrediting organization? ACHC customers welcome the process. (Really!) Our clinical, administrative, and physical environment/life safety staff are accessible and eager to support a smooth transition for your organization using customizable onboarding resources. ACHC accreditation welcomes your hospital to a community of quality- and patient-focused professionals creating a network of problem solvers to learn from. Plan to attend ACHCU Academy or connect with Christopher Cox to learn more.

Get more insight into ACHC standards and resources by subscribing to our Did You Know? newsletter.

ACHC Resources

To get you to the most frequently needed information, choose a link below.

Regulatory Updates

Publications

Education

Vendor Partners

Regulatory Updates

Publications

Education

Vendor Partners

Ready to get started?