THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021 - ACHC
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THE SURVEYOR
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
13 13
THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
MISSION TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATEMENT
05 CORNER VIEW
Reflections of ACHC President and CEO
Accreditation Commission José Domingos.
for Health Care (ACHC) is
dedicated to delivering the 06 HISTORIC MERGER
ACHC and HFAP join forces to offer more
best possible experience to healthcare organizations across the
and to partnering with continuum of care.
organizations and 15
healthcare professionals 10 NEW PROGRAMS AND
DISTINCTIONS
that seek accreditation and ACHC continues to expand offerings
related services. to meet the needs of providers.
12 PROGRAM UPDATES
An overview of ACHC accreditation
programs and services.
16 REIMAGINING EDUCATION
Improving access leads to a jump
in participation.
6 18 IT’S WHO YOU KNOW
ACHC’s Strategic Partner program
benefits providers.
“The union of ACHC and HFAP opens more choice and greater ease
in meeting the accreditation and certification needs of organizations
across the continuum of care.”
José Domingos, President and CEO of ACHC
Historic Merger Combines Strengths to Meet Market Needs, pg. 6
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CORNER VIEW
Denise Leard, Esq I Chairperson
ATTORNEY, BROWN & FORTUNATO
Leonard S. Holman, Jr., RPh I Vice Chair
SEASONED HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE
AND CONSULTANT The work of accreditation is, at its heart, an effort whether they focus on one element in the
to drive and validate excellence in an organization. continuum — an independent clinical laboratory,
Gregory Bentley, Esq I Secretary
PRINCIPAL, THE BENTLEY WASHINGTON LAW FIRM The providers that seek ACHC accreditation are for example — or provide services across a range
overwhelmingly invested in improving the quality of settings that could include inpatient care,
William R. Letendre, Sr., MS, MBA I Treasurer of care they deliver, whether expressed in the outpatient surgical services, mobile offerings,
VICE PRESIDENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMPOUNDING CENTERS
OF AMERICA, INC. preparation of a complex compound drug, in an behavioral health, durable medical equipment,
adjustment made to a client’s mobility device, telehealth services, and home health, for example.
John Barrett, MBA in the performance of diagnostic services, or in
SENIOR CONSULTANT, QUALITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING We are covering our shift to virtual options
hands-on patient care in a home, outpatient, or
Roy G. Chew, PHD for education (see page 16) and the future of
hospital setting.
PAST PRESIDENT, KETTERING HEALTH NETWORK that initiative. We are reintroducing each of
Mark S. Defrancesco, MD, MBA, FACOG Among these diverse providers, ACHC customers our programs and the associated specialties
WOMEN’S HEALTH CONNECTICUT/PHYSICIANS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH are an extraordinary group. I write that with total and distinctions within them, but, perhaps
confidence, having seen how eagerly individuals most significantly, this issue highlights specific
José Domingos
PRESIDENT AND CEO, ACCREDITATION COMMISSION FOR HEALTH CARE individuals who have gone above and beyond
for their colleagues or the patients they serve.
Richard A. Feifer, MD, MPH, FACP
The global pandemic has stretched resources for
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, GENESIS HEALTHCARE
ACHC aims to be an organizations and individuals. It has also, quite
Barbara Stover Gingerich, RN, MS, FACHE(R)
simply, brought out the best in many healthcare
PRESIDENT, ADVANTAGE CONSULTANTS, INC.
innovative company, looking providers at all levels and across settings. I look
Maria (Sallie) Poepsel, PHD, MSN, CRNA, APRN
OWNER AND CEO, MSMP ANESTHESIA SERVICES, LLC ahead and tuned in to the forward to your feedback on this content and
hope you will reach out with suggestions of other
Brock Slabach, MPH, FACHE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEMBER SERVICES,
changes in healthcare. individuals who should be similarly recognized.
NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
We talk a lot about a family atmosphere at
Marshelle Thobaben, RN, MS, PHN, APNP, FNP ACHC and the expectation that we step up for
PROFESSOR, HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY one another in meaningful ways. Within that
and organizations have responded to our efforts
environment of mutual support, ACHC aims to
to develop new ways to accomplish the work of
be an innovative company, looking ahead and
accreditation and education over the past year.
LEADERSHIP TEAM tuned in to the changes in healthcare that will
To offer insight into some of these special have an impact on our providers so that we not
José Domingos
PRESIDENT AND CEO individuals, this issue of THE SURVEYOR is only meet new needs but anticipate them.
focused on making introductions.
Denise Hobson Thank you again for making ACHC your
PROGRAM DIRECTOR We are introducing our new brand, HFAP, the accreditor of choice. We look forward to
result of a merger that took place last fall (see growing in our partnership as we work together
Matt Hughes page 6). As we see consolidation across the to improve healthcare quality across the
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
industry, adding HFAP to ACHC’s portfolio means continuum of care.
Jon Pritchett we can now offer a single source to meet the
PROGRAM DIRECTOR accreditation needs of healthcare organizations
Tim Safley
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Barb Sylvester
DIRECTOR, REGULATORY AFFAIRS, AND QUALITY
José Domingos
President & CEO
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
HISTORIC MERGER On October 19, 2020, ACHC and HFAP joined to form a
single company. The historic merger is the first time
that two accrediting organizations with deeming
COMBINES STRENGTHS TO
authority from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) have combined as a single entity.
MEET MARKET NEEDS
Now a brand under ACHC, HFAP is the nation’s original
healthcare accreditation program, defining and
evaluating quality in hospitals since 1945, when it
was established by the American Osteopathic
Association.
“HFAP has long represented a customer-
centric alternative for acute care and critical
access hospitals, clinical laboratories,
ambulatory surgery centers, and other
providers of office-based surgical services.
The union of ACHC and HFAP opens more choice
and greater ease in meeting the accreditation
and certification needs of organizations across
the continuum of care,” said José Domingos, President and
CEO of ACHC. “Together, we offer a stronger market solution to
organizations committed to raising the bar when it comes to
improving patient care.”
“As separate entities, HFAP and ACHC shared a commitment to
making sure the accreditation process adds value for customers.
The merger brings additional benefit for current and prospective
customers – from individual organizations that will now have
access to enhanced resources all the way to large healthcare
systems that will find efficiencies and economies in consolidating
“As separate entities, HFAP and ACHC shared a
commitment to making sure the accreditation
process adds value for customers.”
José Domingos, President & CEO
accreditations and specialty recognitions with ACHC as their
partner,” noted Mr. Domingos.
The merger represents the latest iteration for our forward-
thinking organization. ACHC takes pride in anticipating and acting
nimbly to meet customer needs for solutions to verify quality and
differentiate excellence. (See the HFAP programs, next page.)
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
INTRODUCING HFAP PROGRAMS
The addition of CMS deeming authority for acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, policies and procedures, proficiency testing, Specialty Certifications
patient test management, quality control, and the
ambulatory surgery centers, office based surgery centers and clinical laboratories brings In addition to accreditation programs that
overall management practices that distinguish a
ACHC closer to offering accreditation for settings across the entire continuum of care. quality laboratory. review the organization as a whole, HFAP offers
certifications that review specialty programs
HFAP laboratory accreditation covers all CLIA within an accredited organization.
Ambulatory Surgery Center Accreditation specialties and subspecialties from point-of-care
These include:
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) accreditation and waived testing to high-complexity testing and
is available for organizations operated exclusively pathology. We accredit laboratories in all settings Joint Replacement Certification
for purposes of providing surgical services on from independent stand-alone facilities to those Ї Advanced (for outpatient or inpatient
an outpatient basis. Standards are based on the located within hospitals that may be separated settings)
CMS Conditions for Coverage (CfC) and the survey by focused specialty. Our surveyors are laboratory
Ї Advanced with Distinction (for outpatient
process is supportive and educational, beginning professionals who add value to the review with an
educational mindset and approach. or inpatient settings)
with the first contact with ACHC.
Ї Comprehensive (inpatient only)
For an ASC seeking accreditation with deemed
status, HFAP provides a comprehensive, Hospital Accreditation Lithotripsy Certification
educational survey, usually performed by a team (Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals) Ї Advanced
consisting of a physician and a registered
Ї Advanced with Distinction
nurse or by two nurses. The results of which are Acute Care Hospital Accreditation serves
reported to CMS along with a recommendation general acute care, long-term acute care Ї Comprehensive
regarding new or continuing participation in the (LTCH) and specialty hospitals. Standards
Medicare program. are based on the CMS Conditions of Stroke Certification
Participation (CoP), and onsite surveys are Ї Stroke Ready
Some ASCs seek accreditation only. In this
situation, the HFAP survey team conducts the designed to be an educational, positive Ї Primary Stroke
same complete and thorough survey, which experience for the hospital, resulting in an
Ї Thrombectomy
will prepare the organization for success in a actionable plan for improvement.
Ї Comprehensive Stroke
state inspection. An accreditation decision is The typical survey is conducted by a team
made, but the result is not reported to federal that includes a physician, a registered Wound Care Certification
regulatory authorities. nurse, a hospital administrator, and a life Ї Advanced
safety expert. While the standards are
consistent across hospital surveys, the Ї Advanced with Distinction
way in which they are met will vary by the
In addition to accreditation individual organization being surveyed.
HFAP surveyors seek to understand the
programs, HFAP offers
unique characteristics (size, culture, patient
certifications that review and population, services, etc.) of each organization
as they bring practical, real-world knowledge to
recognize specialty programs their review of how meaningfully and effectively
within an accredited organization. the organization is meeting the standards.
Critical Access Hospital Accreditation focuses on
facilities identified as meeting state and federal
Office-based Surgery Accreditation requirements for this designation. Limited in size
Qualified providers who offer procedural care in and geographically distant from other health
business occupancy settings may seek Office- Clinical Laboratory Accreditation facilities, CAHs meet the specific needs of their
based Surgery Accreditation. communities within the parameters of the
More than 70% of medical decisions depend on designation, often with fewer resources. HFAP
The standards for this program include laboratory test results. HFAP’s Clinical Laboratory has deep experience in assisting organizations
organizational and administrative criteria and Accreditation is dedicated to helping improve the that are seeking initial CAH status, guiding these
requirements for the physical environment, clinical quality of laboratory practice through professional organizations through the process of initial
and surgical care, medical records, and pharmacy peer review, education, and evaluation of approval as an acute care hospital and subsequent
and laboratory/radiology services, if offered. compliance with CLIA and state-level requirements. confirmation that they meet the CAH-specific
Although an increasing number of states require The HFAP survey process examines all aspects of variations of CMS requirements.
accreditation for facilities using any level of the laboratory, including personnel qualifications,
anesthesia/sedation, this is not a program for which pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic testing
CMS offers deeming authority.
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Assisted Living Accreditation Palliative Care Accreditation
Assisted living communities play an important ACHC now offers Palliative Care Accreditation for
role in the lives of their residents and are trusted any setting in which community-based palliative
NEW PROGRAMS
by families to provide high-quality care in a safe, care is provided by a physician and advanced
secure environment. Beginning in 2021, ACHC will practice providers such as physician assistants,
offer an Assisted Living Accreditation program to advanced practice registered nurses, and clinical
AND DISTINCTIONS
promote both optimal care for residents of these nurse specialists.
communities and reliable business practices. Palliative Care does not preclude simultaneous
Assisted Living Accreditation will include assisted curative care but focuses on providing relief from
living communities, memory care units, and Life the symptoms and stress of an illness for both
Safety Code requirements. the patient and the patient’s non-professional
Assisted living organizations are increasingly caregivers/family.
recognizing the value of pursuing accreditation to Palliative Care Accreditation is a new program for
differentiate themselves. organizations with a distinct palliative care program.
It joins ACHC’s existing Distinction in Palliative Care.
The distinction provides additional recognition for
palliative care when used as a bridge to another
program and is available to providers already
accredited for Home Health, Hospice, or Private Duty.
Telehealth Distinction DMEPOS Distinctions in Clinical Respiratory
Palliative Practitioners
In November 2020, ACHC launched its Distinction Patient Management, Custom Mobility Are Patient Advocates
in Telehealth for accredited organizations offering In March 2021, ACHC launched two groundbreaking In 2020, Tammie Mallory, NP, a palliative care
services in ambulatory care, behavioral health, home distinctions for DMEPOS providers. The Distinction specialist, began working with a patient who
health, hospice, palliative care, private duty, or renal in Clinical Respiratory Patient Management (CRPM) was suffering from chronic depression, arthritis,
dialysis. Even before the COVID-19 public health helps licensed Respiratory Care Providers (RCPs) and frequent falls. He was not able to see his
emergency, there was growing recognition among and other qualified healthcare professionals primary care provider due to clinic closures
providers that telehealth offers safe, cost-effective distinguish their expertise in ongoing, home-based because of COVID-19 and was unable to
access to care for a wide range of patient conditions. care. The distinction focuses on a collaborative, complete a telehealth visit.
We partnered with Health Recovery Solutions (HRS), team-based approach to patient care, emphasizing Tammie shared her findings directly with
a leading provider of telehealth and remote patient documentation and coordination with each the patient’s primary care provider to
monitoring solutions, to create industry-specific patient’s healthcare team to guide better outcomes. Mobile Dentistry Accreditation collaboratively develop a plan of care that
included medication changes and a referral
standards that shape the distinction program. “ACHC is innovatively addressing market needs for In May 2021, ACHC launched accreditation for
to home health for physical therapy. Because
differentiation and specialization of services,” said Tim dental services provided outside a standard brick-
“The walls of the hospital have been broken,” of Tammie’s commitment to her patient’s
Safely, DMEPOS program director for ACHC. “These and-mortar dental office. This could mean services palliative needs during these unprecedented
said Jarrett Bauer, HRS CEO. “Our partners have
distinctions recognize providers who exceed industry provided in the patient’s home, in a healthcare times, he is now walking two miles a day,
developed outstanding strategies for telehealth
expectations for the quality of their patient care.” facility, or in a dedicated mobile “office.” The has gone 10 months
programs, and we are excited for this opportunity
accreditation survey will verify and validate that without a fall, and
to share their best practices with ACHC providers The Distinction in Custom Mobility is a response
good dental practices are followed, including reports an improved
through development of this distinction.” to the need for greater provider involvement in
requirements for infection control protocols, patient mental state.
ongoing patient care. The standards for this award
record management, equipment management, Tammie’s persistence
demonstrate accountability and commitment
and ongoing performance improvement activities, in finding solutions
to meeting the specific needs of each patient
“These distinctions recognize providers among others. to improve her
with custom products and documentation of the
patient’s quality of
who exceed industry expectations for patient’s response to services provided. This groundbreaking offering provides the
life exemplifies the
industry’s first opportunity for third-party oversight,
the quality of their patient care.” Each of these distinctions represents an holistic approach
providing quality assurance for patients and payors
advancement in care leading to improved quality of her accredited
Tim Safely, DMEPOS Program Director and offering a differentiator for providers.
of life for patients. organization.
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
PROGRAM UPDATES
ACHC’s accreditation programs are designed to meet the needs of providers by
bringing customizable solutions that promote ongoing quality improvement in
Demand for home health services accelerated as a
patient care and business operations. result of COVID-19, with many patients preferring
care in their own home over travel to provider
offices. ACHC met the concurrent demand for
Home Health Accreditation through virtual surveys
Ambulatory care is broad in concept, allowing More than a year into a public health emergency, for non-deemed agencies and for licensure in
for future development of additional, focused discussion of anxiety and depression has become California and Florida.
accreditation offerings. Today, ACHC’s Ambulatory increasingly common. Concurrent with the
Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin also
Care Accreditation is intended to meet the needs of conversation has been an increase in these
accept ACHC Home Health Accreditation in lieu of
convenient care clinics, both stand-alone and those diagnoses. Organizations offering a wide range of
state licensure surveys.
that operate within a retail setting. behavioral health options chose accreditation as a
mark of quality and a differentiator for those seeking Recognition of excellence in specialized
supportive services. care is available through the Distinction in
Behavioral Health, Distinction in Palliative
ACHC Behavioral Health Accreditation Standards
Care, and Distinction in Telehealth — each as
are focused on the specific services provided by the
an adjunct to this accreditation.
The Right Start Builds
organization, from Assessment and Referral Services A Relationship of Trust
to Residential Treatment.
Behavioral Health Surveyors completed training in Kylah Martin, RN, is a home health
ACHC’s virtual survey process to increase capacity admissions nurse who is the face of the
This program focuses on the education, medication company as the first person a new patient
and opportunity for qualifying organizations.
review, and development and administration of sees. New patients can be worried about
The Distinction in Telehealth is available as the plan of care provided by a nurse administering a recent medical status change, and
an adjunct to this accreditation. infusion therapy in the patient’s home. Medicare natural apprehension about a stranger
reimbursement requires accreditation for home in their home was heightened by the
infusion therapy suppliers, and CMS recently COVID-19 pandemic.
clarified billing guidance for customers trying Kylah’s organization has no concerns
In partnership with ACHCU, the DMEPOS program to understand whether they need to seek about putting patients and their families
conducted town hall meetings in September to accreditation. To support suppliers and providers, at ease because Kylah starts the home
provide information on our virtual survey process. educational resources are available, including “on healthcare experience off on the right foot,
Over 500 registered for these discussions. ACHC demand” webinars and an accreditation workbook setting up the entire team for success as
was the first accreditation through ACHCU (see page 20). other nurses take over ongoing care. The
organization to offer a virtual ultimate professional, Kylah excels with
survey process for DMEPOS a thoughtful and thorough approach to
communicating with
providers, meeting their need
new clients.
and desire for recognition
Standards address education, assessment, despite the challenges of Kylah goes above
the public health emergency. and beyond to
medication review, plans of care, and care delivery
This spring, two create the trust
by physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, and
needed to achieve
staff. The goal of accreditation in this setting is new distinctions —
patient goals. Her
increasing quality of care, improving business Respiratory Patient
actions reflect the
practices for sustainability, and enhancing Management and emphasis on caring
the organization’s reputation as a resource Custom Mobility — were relationships that
for its community. launched (see page is central to her
10 for details) as ACHC-accredited
The Distinction in Telehealth is available as
specialty add-ons to organization.
an adjunct to this accreditation.
existing DMEPOS
accreditation
offerings.
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
PROGRAM UPDATES
review. CMS approved this option with the
expectation that full accreditation will be awarded
ACHC is known for excellence in hospice care As for many other ACHC programs, a virtual survey following an on-site survey when such an event
accreditation, whether that care is provided in the was developed for Pharmacy Accreditation early can be safely completed. ACHC approaches all
patient’s home or in a setting owned and operated in the pandemic to provide services to pharmacies accreditation with an expectation of commitment
by the hospice provider. We also conduct licensure that could not be safely surveyed on site. CMS to continuous quality improvement and a flexible
surveys for hospice care in California, Missouri, New has allowed this for deemed pharmacies but attitude regarding the means of compliance with
Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin. will require a follow-up, on-site survey. Some individual standards. Collaborating with industry
highly regulated states have established separate leaders, we have found that they are eager to set a
Virtual surveys became available during the public
guidelines; Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory high bar for quality and appreciate our partnership
health emergency for non-deemed accreditation
Affairs has recently approved a process allowing for in promoting excellence in dialysis services.
and for licensure surveys in California.
virtual surveys. Distinction in Telehealth is offered as an
Distinctions in Behavioral Health, Palliative
Pharmacy Accreditation offers specialty focus adjunct to this accreditation.
Care, and Telehealth are available to
recognition with Distinctions in Hazardous
further differentiate the services of an
Drug Handling, Infectious Disease Specific to
accredited hospice.
HIV, Nutrition Support, Oncology, and Rare
Diseases and Orphan Drugs. Some hospitals have only recently become aware
that their sleep labs require separate accreditation
and are not covered under their overall facilitiy
accreditation. ACHC is ready to help with an
Hospice Nurse Provides More Accreditation Builds Private Duty Accreditation standards promote efficient, cost-effective program staffed by
Than Just Continuity of Care Mastery of Quality Concepts excellence in patient care by hourly or shift-based clinical experts.
home care providers as well as the business Home Sleep Testing as a stand-alone service is also in
Shawna Waligorski, RN, is a hospice nurse Yuyun Rahmasari, PharmD, BCPS, BCSCP, is practices needed to ensure that an agency can demand, and those Independent Diagnostic Testing
whose thoughtful care made a potentially a sterile compounding coordinator at effectively manage quality oversight. This dual focus Facilities (IDTFs) conducting sleep studies that
stressful placement transition easier. While an outpatient pharmacy. She is new to sterile is sustained by ACHC’s educational approach. As an remained open through the pandemic continued
working on arranging inpatient hospice compounding but asked probing questions example, a recent issue of our monthly e-newsletter to seek accreditation for Medicare reimbursement.
care, she learned that the patient had a of the ACHC Surveyors that demanded their for Private Duty providers looked at the need to
cat that lived with him in his assisted living expertise and knowledge of USP . ACHC was quick to respond to the development of
inform and educate clients about their financial a virtual survey process, and we continue to perform
community. The move to hospice care One ACHC Pharmacy Surveyor said, “This responsibility for services, offering tips for meeting both on-site and virtual surveys.
raised worries about who would care for his entire team, but especially Dr. Rahmasari, the standard.
beloved pet. impressed me with the substance of their
Shawna knew of a community resource that questions. I have surveyed many universities In 2020, ACHC introduced virtual accreditation
provides services to ensure that pets are cared and hospitals, but I have never seen this level surveys to give organizations a safe, convenient way
for and continue to have loving homes when of knowledge of our standards coupled to meet requirements throughout the pandemic.
they must be separated from their human with the desire not to meet them but to Distinctions in Palliative Care and Telehealth
companions due to illness. The adoption that master them that was are available adjuncts to this accreditation.
was arranged relieved an enormous concern evident here.”
for Shawna’s patient, and the night before Dr. Rahmasari went
the cat was to be rehomed, Shawana visited above and beyond
the assisted living facility on her own time to to enhance her own
make clay paw prints with her patient. knowledge of the Under the public health emergency declaration,
He reported that he felt at ease knowing his standards applicable CMS has allowed for a range of flexibilities for
pet was safe and having a tactile reminder to her pharmacy. Her providers. One such opportunity proposed
to keep with him. Shawna went above and actions reflect the temporary accreditation to allow renal dialysis Hospitals have only recently
beyond to provide emotional support for this quality orientation of facilities and service additions applying for initial become aware that their sleep labs
man. Her actions reflect the values of her her ACHC-accredited Medicare certification to begin offering services.
ACHC-accredited organization. organization. ACHC responded with a plan that uses our require separate accreditation.
established and successful virtual compliance
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Ї HME Annual Reviews
Ї HME: Industry and Services Overview
Ї Home Health Educating for Excellence
Ї Home Health Aides Karen Smith, CMRP, is director of operations for
a DME start-up dedicated to bridging the gap
Ї Hospice
between hospital and home.
Ї Orthotics
“We want to be at the hospital bedside providing
Ї Management in the HME Industry what the patient needs at discharge and available
Ї Professional/Personal Development to serve patients directly in their homes. Our goal
Ї Provider Enhanced Patient Care is to be world-class and set a new benchmark
REIMAGINING EDUCATION:
for DME providers,” she said. This goal included
Ї Rehab/Respirator Repair
achieving initial accreditation with a new team,
Ї Reimbursement, Foundations of working remotely, in the midst of a pandemic.
Ї Respiratory Therapy
ACHCU COMES TO YOU
The new team was “so green to the industry we
Ї Retail Sales didn’t know what we didn’t know” and had a lot of
Ї Safety, Compliance, and Annual Training questions. Their Account Advisor introduced them
to the resources of ACHCU.
HFAP Academy joins ACHCU Karen started with tools and workbooks and
The merger that brought HFAP hospital, clinical engaged her team in identifying knowledge gaps.
Then she worked with ACHCU to develop a series
ACHCU is our education division staffed with program laboratory, and ambulatory surgery center
of customized workshops to prepare the team for
accreditation to the ACHC portfolio of programs
planners and a superior team of clinical educators. (see page 6) also brought HFAP Academy under the
their accreditation survey.
umbrella of ACHCU.
While we’ve all become conversant with virtual Subscribing organizations can add custom courses
HFAP Academy represents three distinct types of
conferences and video chats over the past year, required for and accessible only by their employees, “The ACHCU team became
ACHCU has excelled at increasing access and but HealthTrainU includes courses approved by the educational opportunity to support organizations
maintaining engagement in virtual environments, International Accreditors for Continuing Education seeking HFAP accreditation: webinars; Academy colleagues in our journey.”
hosting more than 20 virtual workshops and 70 and Training (IACET), by the Rehabilitation Live, a intensive multi-track seminar that will
Karen Smith, CMRP
webinars. Continuing education units (CEUs) are Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North be presented virtually in the fall of 2021; and
available for virtual events focused on Home Health, America (RESNA), by the Virginia Nurses Association, Academy Onsite. Academy Onsite is a completely
Hospice, Renal Dialysis, and Specialty Pharmacy. and by other credentialing agencies. customizable event that takes place at your location
with a teaching team assembled to meet your “We would do a session as a team, then debrief
Policy and procedure(P&P) manuals and “Guide HTU has libraries of courses covering topics and soft learning goals. It can be as narrowly focused as a with ACHCU staff to figure out how and where to
to Success” workbooks have helped many skills areas. Each of the categories listed includes single topic — understanding life safety in the ASC, focus in the next session. Between workshops, I
organizations achieve and maintain compliance four to 20 distinct courses. set up team meetings for two hours every Friday.
for example — or as broad as “seeing your hospital
with accreditation standards. ACHCU’s customized We used the time to build the base of knowledge
through the eyes of an HFAP Surveyor.”
tools — represented by 80 “P&P” manuals and more that would make us successful. We got to know
For more information about any ACHCU the standards and each other,” said Karen. “The
than 25 Performance Improvement Plans — ensure In the past year, HealthTrainU has ACHCU team became colleagues in our journey.
that quality measures are effective and sustainable events or resources, please visit our website
for your organization rather than encouraging expanded the original catalog of at achcu.com, call (919) 228-6559, or email
When the survey was completed, I called them
immediately to say, ‘I think we did really well and
“solutions” that are not relevant. 200 courses with 52 new offerings. customerservice@achcu.com. can’t wait for our result.’”
HealthTrainU adds depth of resources Karen’s organization
achieved DME
Two years ago, ACHCU acquired an online learning Ї Assistive Technologies – Accreditation with no
management system (LMS), and, in October 2019, Principles and Practices deficiencies. Karen went
the newly branded HealthTrainU was launched as Ї ATP/RTS/RESNA Rehab above and beyond to
a subscription-based platform to allow healthcare prepare her team for
Ї Basics of Customer Service
organizations to easily and efficiently provide and success. Her actions
manage employee education. Ї Certified DME Specialist reflect the commitment
Ї Complex Rehab Technology to continuous learning
In the past year, HealthTrainU expanded the original
Ї Driver/Delivery Technician that characterizes
catalog of 200 courses with 52 new offerings. an ACHC-accredited
Additionally, subscribing companies added 44 Ї Durable Medical Equipment
organization.
custom courses to meet and track the specific Ї Emergency Preparedness
educational needs of their teams.
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THE SURVEYOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021
IT’S WHO YOU KNOW
ACHC’s Strategic Partner program shows why ACHC has always been known as a
highly collaborative and approachable organization. The program is designed to
add value for all stakeholders. Our partnering organizations offer ACHC counsel
and guidance on the industry areas they know best. They provide industry
expertise as we develop or revise standards and serve as presenters for
educational events. In turn, ACHC offers support to their constituents
in the form of discounts and resources.
These relationships are of critical value to keeping ACHC standards
relevant and up to date with current best practices across the
many healthcare segments we serve.
Together with our Strategic Partners, we help
individual providers achieve quality outcomes
for their patients/clients while meeting their
business objectives.
Check the list below for organizations you may
want to join or learn more about.
Accredited Home Healthcare Directory ComForCare Health Care Holdings, LLC Innovatix, LLC Rhode Island Partnership for Home Care
AHI Group, Inc. Community Oncology Pharmacy Association Kansas Home Care & Hospice Association Shields Health Solutions
Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, Inc. Kentucky Home Care Association SomniTech
AlliantRx Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home KloudScript, Inc. Tennessee Association for Home Care
Always Best Care ExceleraRx Corp. Louisiana-Mississippi Hospice & Palliative Care Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization
American College of Apothecaries FirstLight Home Care Franchising, LLC Organization Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice
AmerisourceBergen Florida Alliance for Health Care Services Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. The US Oncology Network
Association for Home & Hospice Care of Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association Trellis Rx, LLC
North Carolina Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts McKesson Corporation Virginia Association for Home Care and Hospice
Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Home Care Association of America The MED Group Vital Care, Inc
Association Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association
Home Care Association of Florida
Biomedix Dialysis National Association of Specialty Pharmacy
Home Care Association of New York State
California Association for Health Services at Home New Mexico Association for Home & Hospice Care
Home Options Network, LLC
California Hospice and Palliative Care Association Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice Interested in becoming an ACHC
Illinois HomeCare & Hospice Council
Cardinal Health Strategic Partner?
Imark Billing Pennsylvania Homecare Association
Cardinal Health 118, LLC d/b/a VitalSource GPO Contact Business Development at
IMCO Home Care Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, Ltd.
(855) 937-2242.
CARE Pharmacies Cooperative Inc. Professional Compounding Centers of America
Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care, Inc. achc.org/strategic-partners
The Carolinas Center
18 (855) 937-2242 achc.org 19ACHC OFFERS MORE,
SO YOU CAN OFFER MORE
TO YOUR PATIENTS
FOR PROVIDERS.
BY PROVIDERS.
139 Weston Oaks Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
ISO 9001:2015 Certified. achc.org
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