SDS Accreditation Update: Recent legislation affects SDS programs
Staying on top of legislative and regulatory rules that affect their operations is a constant challenge for same-day surgery managers. One way managers can keep abreast of changes is through regulatory and legislative updates posted on the web site of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) in Wilmette, IL. According to AAAHC, a few of the recent changes reported in various states include:
• Indiana. Effective January 2004, the Indiana State Department of Health accepts a Medicare deemed status survey conducted by AAAHC, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the American Osteopathic Association.
• Louisiana. The State Board of Medical Examiners has adopted regulations for office-based surgery that take effect on Jan. 1, 2005. Exempt procedures include those requiring no anesthesia, local or topical anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or conscious sedation, and procedures performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon within the dentistry scope of practice. Offices accredited by AAAHC, the Joint Commission, or the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) are exempt from regulations, as are licensed facilities .
• North Carolina. As of January 2004, any physician performing Level II or Level III procedures in an office should be able to demonstrate substantial compliance with the guidelines developed by the North Carolina Medical Board, or obtain accreditation by a nationally recognized agency such as AAAHC, the Joint Commission, AAAASF, the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), or other board-approved agency.
• Ohio. The State of Ohio Medical Board approved regulations requiring accreditation of offices where physicians or podiatrists perform surgery using moderate sedation or higher anesthesia. The rule took effect January 2004. Application is required within 18 months of that date, and accreditation by AAAHC, the Joint Commission, AAAASF, HFAP, or other board-approved agency must be obtained within three years.
• Texas. As of April 2004, an initial or renewal state licensing survey may be waived if the ambulatory surgery center provides documented evidence of accreditation by AAAHC, AAAASF, or the Joint Commission, and Medicare deemed status.
Staying on top of legislative and regulatory rules that affect their operations is a constant challenge for same-day surgery managers. One way managers can keep abreast of changes is through regulatory and legislative updates posted on the web site of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) in Wilmette, IL.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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