Small but mighty
Critical Access Hospital Accreditation
Helping you help your community.
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Welcome
Service is at the heart of how ACHC works
Our CAH Accreditation Program was awarded 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.
The ACHC process: Steps to achieving accreditation
Expect total support.
- Get Started
- Presurvey
- Survey
- Post-Survey
- Decision
- All
Connect with our Team
We can help you get started.
Information Form
Register to access the ACHC customer portal.
Application
Complete your accreditation application and submit deposit.
Verification / Scheduling
Your Account Advisor verifies application completion and advances to Scheduling.
Opening Conference
Surveyor introductions and finalized survey agenda.
Onsite Survey
Surveyor observations, interviews, and document review with ongoing Q&A.
Closing Conference
Surveyor general observations and findings.
Final Survey Report
Provided within 10 business days of the last day of survey.
Plan of Correction
Submit Plans of Correction (PoC) within 30 days of the final survey report.
ACHC Reviews PoC
- PoC accepted or revised (as needed)
- Final version submitted to the ACHC Review Committee for consideration.
Accreditation Decision
Letter sent within five business days of Review Committee decision.
Connect with our Team
We can help you get started
Information Form
Register to access to ACHC customer portal.
Application
Complete ACHC accreditation application and submit deposit.
Verification / Scheduling
Your Account Advisor confirms that your application is complete and advances it to Scheduling.
Opening Conference
Surveyor introductions finalized survey agenda.
On-site Survey
Register to access to ACHC customer portal.
Closing Conference
General observations and an overview of preliminary findings.
Final Survey Report
Provided within 10 business days of the last day of survey.
Plan of Correction
You submit Plans of Correction (PoC) within 10 days of the final survey report.
ACHC Processes Plan of Correction.
- ACHC reviews PoC
- Makes revisions (as needed).
- Final PoC submitted to the ACHC Review Committee for an accreditation decision.
Accreditation Decision
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
Your Title Goes Here
Critical Access Hospital
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
Your Title Goes Here
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.
Ready to get started?
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Regulatory Updates
Publications
Education
Vendor Partners