Leadership | 10.27.20
CMS Approves ACHC and HFAP Merger
by Rachel Weston, NAMSS Government Relations Senior Associate
On Oct. 19, CMS approved a merger between Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). This merger will expand both organizations’ compliance scopes and streamline accreditation and certification services for healthcare systems that need multiple surveys. The merger also will enable hospitals to use one accrediting organization instead of several for different accreditations.
Technically, the merger is between ACHC and the Accreditation Association for Hospitals/Health Systems (AAHHS). However, HFAP is the only program under AAHHS. HFAP will operate under its existing name as a brand within ACHC and its standards and certification requirements will remain the same. The merger between HFAP and ACHC is complementary — HFAP has CMS deeming authority to approve ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, hospitals, and critical access hospitals for Medicare participation, while ACHC holds deeming authority for DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies).
The merger will not affect ACHC or HFAP accreditation cycles, current accreditation/certification status, or account managers and processes for customers. The merger also will not require current HFAP customers to take an initial survey. According to Meg Gravesmill, CEO of AAHHS, “Our merger brings existing HFAP customers additional opportunities to be awarded recognition of their programs and a broader range of education … As importantly, customers will continue to enjoy the highest level of personalized service and quality they have trusted for decades.” HFAP certification or accreditation awards will still use the HFAP name, recognizing that it is currently a brand under ACHC.
HFAP and ACHC Accreditation Scopes
HFAP currently accredits:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Clinical laboratories
- Critical access hospitals
ACHC currently accredits:
- Home health
- Hospice
- Renal dialysis
- Home infusion therapy
- Durable medical equipment
- Prosthetics, orthotics and supplies
View the full HFAP announcement here.