ACHC - Accreditation Commission for Health Care

Accreditation: The Standard of Quality

Accreditation is a process of review that healthcare organizations participate in to demonstrate the ability to meet predetermined criteria and standards of accreditation established by a professional accrediting agency.  Accreditation represents agencies as credible and reputable organizations dedicated to ongoing and continuous compliance with the highest standard of quality. ACHC collaborates with industry experts to create standards to ensure that quality is maintained throughout all aspects of the organization. 

On-site surveys are conducted every three years by industry experts.  A comprehensive review is conducted of organizational structure, policies & procedures, compliance with federal/state/local laws, leadership, patients’ rights & responsibilities, fiscal operations, human resource management, provision of care, patient records, quality outcomes, performance improvement, infection control, and patient/employee safety.  At the time of survey, organizations demonstrate how they have maintained continuous compliance with the ACHC Standards for Accreditation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has established provider requirements for Home Health agencies; Hospices; and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) agencies that participate in the Medicare program.  For certain programs and services, Medicare requires organizations to become accredited by an approved accreditor like ACHC before they are able to participate with Medicare.