Articles
For information related to a specific standard, enter the standard number in the search bar below. If no result is returned, contact your account advisor for guidance.
Minimize Variability to Maximize IDG Meetings
The plan of care is a dynamic document that directs the services provided by the hospice to meet the goals of the patient and the patient’s family/caregiver. The plan of care requires an understanding of the patient’s and family/caregiver’s goals for hospice care.
Performance Goals and Indicators for the Hospital’s Physical Environment
ACHC Standards are structured to align with a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement framework. Within each chapter, standards identify required policies, the implementation of those policies, evaluation of the results, and communication of changes or corrective actions.
Be Prepared for Medicare NPE Validation Visits – Part 3: Complaint Procedures
To continue discussing preparation for Medicare National Provider Enrollment (NPE) site visits, let’s turn to the section of the site investigation document dealing with complaints. DME suppliers must have a complaint policy and a written or electronic document to log complaints received and the supplier’s response.
The Purpose and Value of Mock Patient Files
For a newly opened sleep lab, or one that has just begun offering a specific service, mock patient files provide a way for the ACHC surveyor to assess the organization’s preparedness and compliance with clinical, documentation, and regulatory standards.
Mastering Informed Consent
Questions posed during ACHCU’s monthly Coffee Chat live webinar often serve to reveal opportunities to extend education and develop additional resources for ACHC-accredited hospitals. In March 2025, the topic was medical record documentation.
Prepare for Sleep Standard Updates: Recording Sleep Studies using Video
On February 1, 2025, ACHC released revisions and updates to standards for Sleep Accreditation that become effective June 1, 2025. Most of these updates clarify existing standard requirements.
Excellence in Hospice Care: The Plan of Care
Individualized, holistic support is the foundation of quality hospice care and this depends on a well-structured and continuously updated plan of care. Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) Hospice Standards together guide hospice providers in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Be Prepared for Medicare NPE Validation Visits – Part 2
In August 2024, we wrote about how to prepare for Medicare National Provider Enrollment (NPE) validation or revalidation visits. A continuing uptick in PTAN suspensions and revocations and recent revisions to the site investigation document makes preparing for these inspection visits with thorough planning and attention to detail more important than ever.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Hospital Physical Environment and Life Safety Standards
From a facilities perspective, protecting patient and staff safety are the hospital’s biggest priority. To ensure this safety, all aspects of the facility must be constructed, arranged, and maintained to meet a range of regulations.
Why Your Accreditation End Date Matters
Achieving accreditation is regarded as one of the key benchmarks for measuring the quality of an organization. Once initial accreditation is achieved, it is not permanent and must be maintained and renewed to ensure continued compliance. ACHC Accreditation is valid for a 36-month time period but preparation for renewal should begin at least nine months before the expiration date. Resources are available to help you prepare.