Accreditation standards, journeys and guideline revisions captured the attention of Becker's ASC Review accreditation readers in 2016.
The following are among the most popular accreditation stories from Becker's this year.
1. The Joint Commission's pain management standards
The Joint Commission released a statement on pain management standards, following criticism that their standards contributed to the opioid epidemic in the United States.
2. 10 patient safety goals for ambulatory care from The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission revised their Ambulatory Care National Patient Safety Goals for 2016. The goals are all focused on improving several aspects of patient safety.
3. 7 things AAAHC surveyors want ASCs to do before their next survey
Alicia Johnson, consultant and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care surveyor, shared seven key steps for ASCs to prepare for future surveys.
4. 5 tips for AAAHC certification of a new center
Tammy Andrews, CASC, administrator of Carolina Coast Surgery Center and president-elect of the South Carolina Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, shared five tips for preparing for AAAHC certification of a new center from her own first-hand experience.
5. AAAHC identifies areas of improvement for ASCs to target
The AAAHC released its 2016 Quality Roadmap highlighting the areas of improvement the accreditation organization identified as the most critical.
6. 5 key notes on staff food and drink at healthcare facilities
Despite not having formal standards in place, The Joint Commission addressed food and drink use at a healthcare facility.
7. Lessons learned: Rebounding from AAAHC certification deficiencies
Norman L. Burnette, CPA, CASC, administrator of Arkansas Specialty Surgery Center, shared his experiences helping a center rebound from a certification test with "significant deficiencies."
8. 1st ASC earns The Joint Commission's advanced certification
The North Canton-based Ohio Specialty Surgical Suites was the first ASC awarded The Joint Commission's Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
9. The Joint Commission to lengthen ASC surveys, add survey team members in 2017
The Joint Commission will make changes to the Medicare-deemed ASC surveyor process for 2017. The accreditation body will update its guidelines to align with the CMS surveyor guidelines by lengthening the survey and adding members to the accreditation team.
10. AAAHC names Dr. Vicky Gordon interim president & CEO
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care's board of directors named Vicky Gordon, PhD, interim president and CEO.