Syracuse University's Health Services has received a three-year certificate of accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. (AAAHC), signifying the success of Health Services in meeting nationally recognized, rigorous standards for quality care set by AAAHC, the leading accrediting organization for ambulatory health care facilities. Health Services, a principal unit of the Division of Student Affairs, previously received successive accreditations in 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2004.
The re-accreditation process, completed in April, included an extensive, on-site survey of the facilities and services offered at Health Services and a thorough review of all aspects of patient care. Health Services was measured against a set of AAAHC standards developed over 20 years by practicing health care professionals representing the highest level of achievement in clinical practice and health care management. AAAHC standards relate to quality of care; quality management and improvement; clinical records; pharmaceutical services; laboratory and x-ray services; facilities; health education; urgent care services; governance; administration; and professional development. Nationally, fewer than 180 college health services are so accredited.
"Re-accreditation by the AAAHC is gratifying, as it recognizes our continued success in our mission of providing the highest quality of health care to our students in all aspects," says James R. Jacobs, director of Health Services. "Health Services staff should be particularly proud of their conduct during the re-accreditation visit, which happened to take place during an emerging public health incident managed by the Onondaga County Department of Health. Even though staff were working above and beyond expectations to satisfy the county's
fast-breaking surveillance requirements, we were able to accommodate the re-accreditation team and, especially, to provide uninterrupted, outstanding service to our student-patients."
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.
"In the field of higher education health care, AAAHC accreditation is seen as a mark of excellence, reserved only for first-rate providers. The review process is a challenging one, and our success speaks to Health Services' high standards and commitment to ensuring that our students' health is well supported as they move through the college experience," says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs.
AAAHC is a private, nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization. It receives professional guidance from a number of medical organizations and associations.
