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AAAHC Standards
The standards contained in the AAAHC Accreditation Handbook for Ambulatory Health Care describe characteristics that the AAAHC believes to be indicative of an accreditable ambulatory health care organization. Most standards are written in general terms to allow an organization to achieve compliance in the manner that is most compatible with its particular situation and most conducive to the attainment of high-quality patient care. Where the acceptable methods of achieving compliance with a standard are limited, the standard is written in specific terms. Whether a standard is stated in general or specific terms, the AAAHC is concerned about compliance with the intent of the standard first and with the letter of the standard second.
Application of the Standards
The core standards contained in Chapters 1–8 will be applied to all organizations seeking an accreditation survey. The adjunct standards, contained in Chapters 9–27, will be applied as appropriate to the services provided by the organization. For example, immediate/urgent care centers, radiation oncology treatment centers, and occupational health centers must be in compliance with the respective adjunct standards for these settings in the Handbook, as well as in compliance with all core standards and with other applicable adjunct standards, such as those for pathology and medical laboratory services, and diagnostic and other imaging services.
Likewise, ambulatory surgery centers and office-based surgery organizations must meet the core standards, plus the adjunct standards for anesthesia services and surgical and related services, as well as all other relevant adjunct standards. Certain large multispecialty group practices or hospital-sponsored ambulatory health care programs may find that all of the adjunct standards in the Handbook will be applicable. Any questions about the applicability or non-applicability of standards and chapters should be directed to the AAAHC office.
Throughout the Handbook, reference is made to specific documents or standards published by other organizations. Subsequent editions of these publications become the authoritative reference of the AAAHC only after they have been approved as such by the AAAHC Board of Directors.
All organizations seeking accreditation, regardless of name, mission statement, or primary service provided, must meet the same high standards described in the Handbook.
Applicable Version of the Standards
An organization will be surveyed according to the 2010 standards if (1) the Application for Survey is received at the AAAHC office on or before February 28, 2011, and (2) the organization’s survey begins on or before June 30, 2011.
An organization will be surveyed according to the 2011 standards if (1) the Application for Survey is received at the AAAHC office on or after March 1, 2011, and/or (2) the organization’s survey begins on or after July 1, 2011.
Comments and Suggestions about the Standards
The AAAHC welcomes comments or suggestions at any time regarding the reasonableness or clarity of any of its standards. These comments and suggestions should be sent to [email protected].
Annually in August, any proposed revisions, deletions, or additions to the AAAHC standards recommended for the next year by the Standards and Survey Procedures Committee are subject to a public comment period of 30 calendar days. Such revisions, deletions, and additions are posted at www.aaahc.org. The AAAHC solicits and invites comments regarding proposed standards during the public comment period and throughout the year from its member organizations and all other interested parties.
The Standards and Survey Procedures Committee submits to the AAAHC Board of Directors, for review and final approval, any recommended revisions, deletions, or additions to the existing standards, all relevant public comments received, and any other recommendations the Committee makes in response to the comments
2010 Standards Revisions
2009 Standards Revisions
2008 Standards Revisions
2007 Standards Revisions
2006 Standards Revisions
2005 Standards Revisions
2004 Standards Revisions
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