N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0
• O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 3 7
In
normal
circumstances,
the
focus
on
safety
and
quality
excellence
is
paramount
for
any
ambulatory
surgery
center.
But
especially
now,
the
highest
performance
in
key
operational
areas
is
critical
to
mitigating
risk,
increasing
patient
safety
and
delivering
quality
health
care
that's
second
to
none.
For
more
than
45
years,
organizations
like
yours
have
relied
on
our
industry-vetted
standards
and
practical
surveyor
expertise
to
help
boost
consistency,
streamline
processes
and
enhance
treatment
practices.
Don't
just
take
our
word
for
it.
Our
ambulatory-accredited
customers
know
better
than
anyone
the
kind
of
support
and
guidance
you
can
expect
from
working
with
the
Joint
Commission
team.
Visit
jointcommission.org.
To
speak
to
one
of
our
team
experts,
please
call
(630)
792-5286
or
email
ahcquality@jointcommission.org
Evolving
with
Care
Your
commitment
to
patient
safety
and
quality
care
has
never
wavered.
Neither
has
ours.
ing virtual or hybrid survey models
as a complement to the onsite sur-
vey. Additionally, AAAHC is commit-
ted to keeping clients apprised of
changes to the current guidance
related to the pandemic and
impacts on accreditation. As AAAHC
continues surveying organizations,
continuous readiness becomes ever
more important. Some organiza-
tions may have been unable to com-
ply with all requirements depending
on their situation during COVID-19.
Readiness checklists offered by
AAAHC provide guidance on specific
COVID-19 pandemic considerations
regarding resuming onsite patient
care and compliance with the orga-
nization's standards.
• HFAP. When onsite survey activ-
ity was paused for several months,
HFAP began collecting data from
facilities waiting to be surveyed with
regard to the impact COVID-19 has
had on their organization and condi-
tions in their community. HFAP con-
tinues to collect this information and
make scheduling decisions based on
conditions on the ground and avail-
ability of surveyors. While HFAP is
interested in looking at aspects of
accreditation that might be effective-
ly handled virtually, the organization
believes nothing can replace the
experience of having a survey team
on-site to observe actual practice
and provide educational insights that
lead to quality improvement.
— Danielle Bouchat-Friedman
to prepare for reaccreditation
about a year in advance. "Shortly
after a survey is completed, you
receive your findings and the
