For the next few months our clinics will been preparing for AAAHC accreditation (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care). This accreditation is critical to our clinic’s future. Attacks on the crisis pregnancy center (CPC) model are increasing as accusations from Pro-Choice activist groups question the validity, professionalism and functionality of CPC’s. These groups commonly refer to the CPC model as anti-choice and ‘bait & switch’ operations. As a medical facility, Informed Choices is subject to similar accusations with the additional accusation that we are not a ‘true’ or ‘legal’ medical facility. To combat this negativity and demonstrate the professionalism of our clinics, we are moving forward with the AAAHC accreditation process. This accreditation will silence these attacks and prove our commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients.
“It isn’t that they can’t see the solution, it’s that they can’t see the problem.”
~G.K. Chesterton
What is the AAAHC Accreditation? The AAAHC is a medical certification organization that is the pre eminent leader in developing standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality and value for ambulatory health care organizations. The process of accreditation involves self-assessment by our organization as well as a on-site review by the Association’s expert surveyors, who have extensive experience in the ambulatory environment. During the survey process there are eight core standards of care that must be present: Rights of Patients, Governance, Administration, Quality of Care provided, Quality Management and Improvement, Clinical Records and Health Information, Infection Prevention and Control, and Facilities and Environment. After submitting the initial application the process takes about 60 days from start to finish. AAAHC Accreditation is typically awarded as either a one or three year accreditation term, upon at which time the eight core standards will be reassessed for continuing compliance.
Upon acquiring the AAAHC accreditation our clinics will be uniquely positioned to meet the real needs of our patients and give firm answers to any accusations that may be directed at us. The costs associated with the AAAHC accreditation are considerable. Please consider supporting us as we continue to protect our patients and this ministry.
