The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) has awarded Syracuse University Health Services the certificate of accreditation, representing Health Services' success in meeting nationally recognized, rigorous standards for quality care set by the Chicago-based AAAHC. Health Services previously received successive accreditations in 1995, 1998 and 2001.
The reaccreditation process included an extensive on-site survey of the facilities and services at Health Services earlier this spring, which encompassed a thorough review of all aspects of patient care. "The dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial. Syracuse University Health Services is to be commended for this accomplishment," writes AAAHC executive director John Burke in a letter to the University.
The AAAHC standards have been developed over 20 years by practicing health care professionals presenting the highest level of achievement in clinical practice and heath care management. The standards relate to the quality of care and quality management and improvement, clinical records, pharmaceutical services, environmental safety, governance, administration and professional development.
"Reaccreditation by the AAAHC reflects the ongoing commitment of our staff at Health Services and of the leadership here at SU to provide outstanding health services to our students," says Dr. James R. Jacobs, director of Health Services. "We are proud of this accomplishment and will continue to make it our priority to provide our students with the highest quality of care."
Nationally, only ten percent of colleges and universities are so accredited. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo an on-site survey receive favorable decisions.
The AAAHC conducts its accreditation program on a national basis and has accredited more than 1,300 ambulatory health care organizations. They include single- and multi-specialty group practices, ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, college and university health services, health maintenance organizations and other managed care systems, dental group practices, community health centers and occupational health centers.
"It is great news to learn that Health Services' accreditation is once again renewed for the maximum three-year term by AAAHC," says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. "Students are the ultimate beneficiaries from our participation in this accreditation program, and we are proud of the quality of care that our Health Services staff provides to SU and SUNY-ESF students."
AAAHC is a private, nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization. It receives professional guidance and financial support from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; American Academy of Dental Group Practice; American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; American College Health Association; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; American Society of Anesthesiologists; American Society for Dermatologic Surgery; Association of Freestanding Oncology Centers; Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association; Medical Group Management Association; Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society; Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia; and the National Association of Community Health Centers.
A principal unit within the Division of Student Affairs, SU's Health Services specializes in college health, and serves the health care needs of SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students, striving to engage students in their individual health care processes. Services include office visits, infirmary, pharmacy, Syracuse University Ambulance, SU Medical Transport Services, laboratory and x-ray services, allergy injections, nutritional counseling, health education and wellness programs, and public health monitoring and oversight.
