This Symbol of Accreditation designates facilities which are accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Facilities which display this Symbol are dedicated to the highest standards of patient care.

AAAASF OPERATING ROOM ACCREDITATION

Our surgical suite is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the “Gold Standard” for accreditation of ambulatory surgery facilities.  The primary mission of the AAAASF is to ensure the highest quality patient care in the ambulatory surgery settings. All facilities accredited by the AAAASF must meet an extensive set of guidelines and standards. These assure the patient of a commitment to safety and efficiency of the facility and equipment. The AAAASF requires a facility to be 100% compliant with each and every standard to achieve and retain accreditation. Accreditation consists of a three-fold review that includes a site inspection by a trained AAAASF representative, an AAAASF panel assessment of site visit finding, and successful participation in a peer review/quality assurance program.

AN AAAASF CERTIFIED FACILITY MUST:

● Comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations including fire safety, sanitation and building codes  for the protection of patients and medical personnel;

● Adhere to federal laws and regulations affecting their operation such as OSHA blood borne pathogens standards, hazardous waste standards, and the Americans with Disabilities Act;

● Utilize advanced instruments and monitoring devices for patient safety during surgery and in the recovery period;

● Allow surgery to be performed only by qualified surgeons who have privileges to perform the same surgical procedures in an accredited hospital. Surgeons must meet the standards, such as peer-review and continuing medical education, required for operating  in an accredited hospital. Surgeons must be certified by a surgical board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and must be in compliance with their respective professional society or association;

● Provide for the safe administration of general anesthesia, when appropriate, by a board certified or board eligible anesthesiologist.;

● Verify the certification of personnel assisting in surgery and providing care for the patient. Support personnel must be specially trained and must maintain appropriate licensure and certification for their specialty;

● Assure the staff and facility are committed to the “Patient’s Bill of Rights,” ensuring all patients are treated with the courtesy and respect they deserve.

AAAASF regularly revises and updates its requirements to assure its accredited facilities maintain the highest standards of excellence for the quality and safety of patient care. To maintain certification AAAASF requires an annual in-house evaluation and a formal site inspection every three years.