2024 ANNUAL REPORT
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
BUILDING BRIDGES
NEW DISTINCTION OFFERINGS Home health and hospice care providers can now be recognized by a Distinction in Age-Friendly Care . Agencies that seek this distinction must demonstrate adherence to evidence-based best practices in geriatric care known as the 4Ms*: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. Medicare-certified home health agencies are routinely evaluated on domains including patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and healthcare utilization. Medicare annually ranks agency performance within peer cohorts. ACHC-accredited agencies that score in the top 25% of their cohort are eligible for the new Distinction in Outcomes , a marketable signifier of quality care. *The 4Ms represent elements of the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative developed by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in collaboration with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States.
MYTH BUSTING Accreditation is the subject of many myths—stories passed from person to person over time—and these stories take on a life of their own. As ACHC has expanded into acute care settings and engaged with leaders in hospital settings, the stickiness of these myths has become apparent. In 2024, we sponsored a webinar with Becker’s Healthcare to address some of these myths. Two physician leaders with direct experience of accreditation joined the conversation. As they became aware that their initial beliefs were untrue, they were happy to help us “myth-bust” for a wider audience.
Accreditations
acute care hospital
ambulatory care
ambulatory surgery center
assisted living
behavioral health
MYTH vs .
FACT
clinical laboratory
compounding pharmacy
myth: There is only one government-approved hospital accreditor. fact: Healthcare accreditation is by independent for profit and nonprofit organizations. ACHC is a nonprofit organization with a hospital accreditation program approved by CMS since 1965. myth: Accreditation varies in prestige. fact: CMS-approved AOs must apply specific federal requirements in evaluating hospitals. The resulting accreditation is the same, regardless of the AO. Differences abound however, in extra requirements and in the AO’s approach. ACHC standards align closely with CMS and follow a PDSA process. Our approach embeds education as a key component. myth: A survey is an exercise in fear and intimidation. fact: ACHC surveyors are selected and trained for knowledge of the standards and the ability to offer consistent, meaningful interpretation and education for healthcare staff. myth: Asking questions is a bad idea. fact: ACHC believes questions represent curiosity and a desire to learn and improve. Questions are encouraged. myth: Magnet status (or other accolades) are tied to a specific AO. fact: Magnet status, like Leapfrog ratings, Medicare star ratings, and other quality awards are independent of AO. If not, be suspicious of a self-serving relationship that doesn’t benefit your organization!
critical access hospital
dentistry
dmepos
Entering New Markets
home care
home health
Healthcare organizations outside the U.S. seek accreditation through ACHC International to demonstrate leadership that raises the bar for their region. Others are looking to expand their access to the market for medical tourism. In every case, accreditation by ACHC International raises an organization’s profile world-wide. ACHC International Hospital Accreditation launched in 2024 with surveys conducted in Honduras and in Saudi Arabia.
home infusion therapy
hospice
in-home hospital care
office-based surgery
palliative care
pharmacy
International quality standards for compounded medications were introduced in Europe with the launch of the PCAB Program in Italy.
renal dialysis
sleep
To watch the webinar, visit https://go.beckershospitalreview.com/asc/myth-busting-learn-the-truth-about- hospital-accreditation-options
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