Articles
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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.
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.
Temperature, Humidity, and Airflow in Your ASC Operating Rooms
Maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and airflow in your ambulatory surgery center’s operating rooms isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical measure to prevent infections, safeguard sterile fields, and ensure that equipment functions properly.
Building an Annual QAPI Plan That Drives Results
In an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), a Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program is more than just a regulatory requirement.
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.
Strengthening Pharmaceutical Compliance in ASCs
Safe pharmaceutical practices in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are essential to patient safety, regulatory compliance, and high standards of care. ACHC Standard stipulates that drug preparation and administration align with federal and state laws. This standard is...
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.
Advance Directives Require Important Considerations
Advance directives rank among the most important legal documents in the healthcare setting. They come into use when a patient is incapacitated and cannot provide informed consent for care or cannot actively participate in care planning. Among the various types of advance directives, the most common in the healthcare setting are the living will and the durable power of attorney for health care.