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.
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.
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.
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.
Why It Matters to Maintain Personnel Records
Maintaining personnel records for staff members is required to achieve ACHC Accreditation and meet applicable state and federal regulations.
Assessing Competencies Helps Ensure Quality and Safety of Patient Care
Competencies are not just requirements in health care. They are crucial aspects. Competencies play pivotal roles in ensuring patient safety, quality and continuity of care, and operational efficiency. As a healthcare professional, your role in identifying and addressing competence-related issues is paramount.
Verifying Personnel Credentials Is a Crucial Task for Hospitals
Your latest hire might not be the healthcare professional you think you hired for your acute care hospital. Did you check? A multi-state scheme to sell fake nursing diplomas should serve as a crucial reminder about the importance of verifying credentials for all licensed personnel.