North Carolina, Tennessee to Recognize AAAHC Accreditation for Procedures Performed in ASCs

WILMETTE, Ill. -- Under legislation enacted this year in the state of North Carolina and regulations issued in the state of Tennessee, ambulatory surgery centers in which certain procedures are performed must be accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), among others, or meet comparable accreditation and/or standards approved by the states.

In legislation enacted last month, North Carolina physicians providing gastrointestinal endoscopy services in unlicensed settings, such as an ambulatory healthcare center, must obtain a certificate of need (CON) unless they submit a license application by Dec. 31, 2006. Among other requirements, the application must verify that the facility is accredited by the AAAHC or other accrediting bodies. Centers must also submit a plan to serve the indigent and medically underserved populations in their areas.

“Accreditation assures quality and safety,” stated the North Carolina Medical Society in its comments favoring the legislation, which was enacted on the recommendation of a 12-member Endoscopy Work Group appointed by the North Carolina Health Coordinating Council. In 2003, the North Carolina Medical Board issued a position statement which adopted guidelines requiring accreditation by AAAHC or other approved accrediting bodies, or proof that an organization meets comparable standards of care, for physicians performing Level II or III procedures in an office-based practice. Level II surgeries are those that require minimal, conscious or deep sedation; Level III procedures require general anesthesia.

In Tennessee, regulations governing office-based surgeries become effective October 17. The regulations apply to administration, quality care, clinical care, credentialing and laser surgery requirements. Offices at which Level III surgeries are performed must be accredited the AAAHC or other approved organizations within one year. Facilities performing Level I or II surgeries also must be accredited or meet comparable standards set forth in the regulations. Level I procedures require local or no anesthesia.

“With so many surgeries now being performed in outpatient facilities such as office- based surgery centers and other non-hospital settings, more states recognize the need for regulations to ensure the quality of healthcare delivered in these settings,” said John Burke, PhD, executive director of the AAAHC.

Source: AAAHC