WHOLE PERSON CARE
Palliative Care Accreditation
Care that extends beyond curative goals.
I AM:
A holistic approach to supportive care.
Our Palliative Care program accredits organizations that provide physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual support that may coincide with curative treatment but is based on the individual patient’s needs (regardless of age or stage of illness), not on their prognosis.
Accreditation or Distinction: Finding your fit
Accreditation
- Intended for licensed healthcare organizations with an existing, ongoing, standalone, Palliative Care Program.
- Requires a current caseload of at least three patients and evidence of having served a minimum of five patients in the past.
Distinction
- Intended for organizations that offer palliative care as a complement to their primary services, such as agencies that have existing staff with an interest in gaining skills in palliative care, or those that use palliative care as a bridge program to hospice.
- ACHC Accreditation for home health, home care, or hospice required.
- Available at the time of initial accreditation or at any time during the accreditation cycle.
Welcome
A lot has changed in Palliative Care since I started my hospice career in 2009. No longer just for end-of-life; this wholistic treatment has spread from hospitals to communities, allowing patients of all ages and prognoses more symptom management options and better overall quality of life.
ACHC’s accreditation program includes comprehensive standards based on the National Consensus Project Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care. These standards are designed to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of palliative care delivery. We also offer a Telehealth Distinction that recognizes palliative care providers that monitor patients in either clinical or home care environments.
Throughout my tenure at ACHC, we have maintained a consistent approach with our clients; collaboration, education, and support are our highest priorities. Your Account Advisor and clinical team will be there for you before, during, and after your survey, so you can focus on being there for your patients.
Barb Provini, RN, BSN
Associate Clinical Director
The ACHC approach: Surrounding you with education
ACHC surrounds you with accessible, responsive resources to fit your needs.
ACHC Clinical Staff provides resources for standards interpretation and problem solving.
Our Regulatory Team conducts research and shares knowledge about federal and state requirements.
Palliative Care Accreditation services and distinctions
Services
ACHC Standards—the requirements you must meet to achieve ACHC Palliative Care Accreditation—are designed to be relevant to the focus of your business model. ACHC will work in partnership with you to build a customized accreditation solution based on your needs. View available services and distinctions below.
Community-Based Palliative Care is specialized medical care for patients with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of an illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Community-Based Palliative Care is provided by a specially trained team that works together with a patient’s primary care practitioner to provide an extra layer of support. Community-Based Palliative Care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and during any stage of a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
Distinction
Distinctions offer additional recognition for Palliative Care that offer specialties that go above and beyond basic accreditation requirements. These options must be earned in conjunction with (or after being awarded) Palliative Care Accreditation by ACHC.
The Distinction in Telehealth focuses on the provision of care to clients/patients with acute or chronic conditions, using telehealth technology that allows monitoring in the clinical or home environment. This technology creates disease management empowerment and independence, improved access to care, increased collaboration among healthcare providers, and improved client/patient outcomes. Standards were based on telehealth clinical guidelines of the American Telemedicine Association.
Ready to get started?
The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) is a national organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality, equitable health care for people living with serious illness. ACHC has been an active member of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) since 2020.
ACHCU offers workshops to support Palliative Care Accreditation
Our education division offers an on-demand, self-paced workshop for an in-depth look at the standards with tips for compliance. Support your successful survey preparation by registering.
Ready to learn more? Here are some common questions from providers like you. See more FAQs, or connect with an expert.
DO NOT DELETE
Where can palliative care/services be provided?
Palliative care services can be provided in a variety of settings, including a patient’s home, a clinic, a physician’s office, a long-term care facility, and an assisted living community.
Can a patient receive palliative care and home health care?
Yes. Palliative care patients may also have a skilled care need that must be managed by a home health provider.
Can a patient receive palliative care and hospice care at the same time?
No. Hospice care is palliative care, and the intent is that once a patient is appropriate or ready for hospice care, the patient is referred to a hospice provider.
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Regulatory Updates
Publications
Education
Vendor Partners
Regulatory Updates
Publications
Education
Vendor Partners
It’s who you know
Partnering associations that advocate for excellence in the provision of palliative care.
