There is more to having surgery than just selecting your surgeon. AAAASF has designed an accreditation program to help ensure patients’ safety and quality across all aspects of their outpatient surgery experience. To achieve this goal, every AAAASF accredited ambulatory surgery facility must meet stringent national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials. The experts at AAAASF know that maintaining safety and quality in the ambulatory surgery facility is a dynamic process that requires constant review and revision of standards to reflect current state-of-the-art technology. As the leading accrediting organization, AAAASF has developed the systems to effectively monitor and implement the latest advances in outpatient care delivery that directly benefit patients.
Quality
AAAASF accreditation has been recognized as the Gold Standard. The vast majority of ambulatory surgery facilities are not accredited and operate independently of any peer-review or inspection process. A growing number of states throughout the country, however, are recognizing the need for mandatory accreditation. AAAASF is at the forefront of legislative efforts to ensure patient safety and quality assurance in the outpatient surgery setting. In 1996, California became the first state to mandate accreditation for all outpatient facilities that administer sedation or general anesthesia. AAAASF was instrumental in the development of the California legislation (AB595), as well as subsequent laws and regulations adopted by states such as Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas. AAAASF accreditation has been accepted by State Departments of Health in lieu of state licensure, and AAAASF has been approved by Medicare to inspect facilities for certification. AAAASF accreditation guidelines are recognized as the gold standard for ensuring the highest level of safety and quality in ambulatory surgery care.
Many private insurance carriers recognize AAAASF accreditation for reimbursement of covered procedures.
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AAAASF accredited facilities must meet stringent requirements. All AAAASF accredited facilities must:
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comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including licensure, fire safety, sanitation, and building codes, to protect patients and medical personnel.
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adhere to federal laws and regulations affecting their operations, such as OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards, hazardous waste standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and HIPAA.
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utilize advanced instruments and monitoring devices for patient safety during surgery and in the recovery period.
All individuals using the facility must meet one of the following criteria:
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A Doctor of Medicine certified or eligible for certification by one of the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS medical or surgical specialty).
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A Doctor of Osteopathy certified or eligible for certification by the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABS).
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A podiatrist certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS).
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An oral and maxillofacial surgeon certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), and provide for the administration of general anesthesia, when appropriate, by a board-certified or board-eligible anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Other personnel assisting in surgery and providing care for the patient in the recovery room include specially-trained and certified surgical technicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses.
Learn more about AAAASF accreditation at the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. website (opens in new tab).
Woodmere
Roslyn Heights
