2024 ANNUAL REPORT
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
BUILDING BRIDGES
BRIDGES TO INNOVATION ACCREDITATION, CERTIFICATION, DISTINCTION Myths about innovation abound. “Innovation equals invention.” “Innovation requires creative genius.” These two examples are refuted by research showing that most innovation is incremental, based on finding a new way to use or adjust an existing thing or process (curved shower rods and mobile ordering, anyone?). In fact, most innovation is born from constraint. Clear boundaries serve to stimulate creative problem solving. ACHC programs provide structure that allows innovation to thrive. Where relevant, we embed federal regulations within our standards, and we publish the criteria we use to evaluate compliance. Within these guidelines, we help each organization flourish. Each organization is a unique entity and ACHC expects to see policies and procedures to serve a particular scope of service, patient population, and staffing structure. We know there is more than one way to meet the intent of a standard. And customer innovations have led to new accreditation, certification, and distinctions as we build the bridges that spread good ideas.
APPROVALS In 2024, ACHC received renewal of CMS deeming authority for Home Infusion Therapy Accreditation through April 2031.
NEW ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
In-Home Hospital Care Accreditation launched in November to evaluate quality in organizations offering advanced home-based care. This model brings care for higher acuity or chronic conditions into patients’ home as a treatment option that reduces inpatient admissions and addresses patient preference. This program resulted from the collaborative effort of ACHC’s hospital and home health teams. Eligible providers come from both sides of this care continuum.
NEW CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS Long-Term Care Dialysis Certification represents innovating for excellence. Accredited organizations that coordinate dialysis treatment for residents of skilled nursing or long-term care facilities are eligible. Standards address communication and training for the LTC staff and stress
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Healthcare Staffing Services Certification addresses the urgent need across healthcare settings for contract clinical staff. Staffing agencies can use the certification to validate their ability to provide credentialed candidates with demonstrated competencies. This ensures smooth onboarding for their client organizations and supports seamless compliance with accreditation standards.
A Recognized Accreditor 10 CMS Programs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) grants “deeming authority” to accreditation organizations (AO) that have been rigorously assessed and confirmed to meet or exceed federal requirements for specific provider or supplier programs. When a healthcare organization achieves accreditation with “deemed status,” that award comes with a recommendation for initial or continuing Medicare certification—a condition for billing for services rendered to Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries. ACHC is recognized by CMS for acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, critical access hospitals, clinical laboratories, DMEPOS, Home Infusion Therapy, Home Health, Hospice, Renal Dialysis, and Sleep.
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infection prevention in the communal living setting that is akin to approaches used for in-center dialysis. This certification bridges an existing gap in quality requirements for these higher acuity patients by addressing effective management of medically fragile patients with complex care requirements. Avoiding the need for frequent transportation outside the care facility can reduce hospital admissions with improved clinical outcomes while simultaneously providing a better patient experience.
DISTINCTION PROGRAMS
13 CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
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