ACHC Blog


The ACHC world is broad and full of ideas.
Check out our blog to discover what’s top of mind.
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Medication Safety for Ambulatory Surgery Centers
In any medical setting, accurate recordkeeping and safe management are essential for drugs and biologicals. Medications must always be properly secured and provided in a safe and effective manner. ACHC Standards are specific in how your ambulatory surgery center staff should manage medications and records.
Have a Plan for When You Must Write a Plan of Correction
Nobody is perfectly perfect. Nearly all organizations surveyed for accreditation are cited for deficiencies. To get back on the right track, the organization must develop an effective Plan of Correction (POC) for each deficiency and promptly submit it for approval before a final accreditation status can be determined. It’s a process.
CMS Publishes Final Rule Updating CLIA Regulations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published final rule CMS-3326-F to update Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) regulations. Topics include the CLIA fee and alternative sanctions, along with histocompatibility and personnel requirements.
Is Your ASC Survey Ready? A Little Effort Can Prevent a Lot of Stress
What? You stressed? Not when you have it all under control with organization and preparation and an assortment of binders holding all the paperwork. When it's time for your ambulatory surgery center's accreditation survey, you and your well-informed staff will be survey ready.
Updated Standards for Hospice, Renal Dialysis
Standards for ACHC community-based accreditation programs have been released for 2024 and are now available to download from your customer portal. While most standards are unchanged, updates were made to standards for two programs — Hospice and Renal Dialysis Accreditation.
Setting Up for Success: Your Guide to Essential Equipment and Processes in Office-Based Surgery
Office-based surgery (OBS) practices offer patients convenience and care tailored to their needs. Whether a practice is new or has been building for years, keeping up with essential equipment and process requirements is crucial to maintaining excellence. This guide takes a look at the growing role OBS practices play in healthcare.
New Year, New Updates for DMEPOS Providers
The new year brings several changes for DMEPOS providers from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition, ACHC has revised one DMEPOS Accreditation Standard to align with CMS changes.
Got Safety Plans? Waterborne Pathogens Can Spread Infection
As essential as water is to any hospital, this crucial element also can be a threat to patient safety. Waterborne pathogens – including multidrug-resistant organisms – can spread in seemingly innocuous ways. Having safety plans is essential.
Personnel Background Checks Enhance Safety
Clients and patients depend on you to deliver excellent services in a secure environment. Performing background checks on personnel validates your commitment to providing safe, quality care.
Office-Based Surgery: Developing a Culture of Safety First
Office-based surgery (OBS) centers are an attractive choice for patients seeking surgery outside the hospital setting. Not only are these centers providing quicker access to scheduling and lower out-of-pocket costs, but also they are increasing the variety and complexity of cases being performed in the office-based setting.
Optimize Sleep Survey Preparations
Preparing for an initial or renewal accreditation survey takes careful planning. ACHC offers a wide range of tools and resources to assist you. There also are a few simple steps you can take to help your organization prepare more efficiently and effectively.
Office-Based Surgery: Generator Inspection Checklist
Standard 16.05.03 for Generator Inspection is a critical standard for maintaining a reliable generator and emergency power system.