Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), America’s original healthcare accreditation program founded in 1945, recently received renewal of its deeming authority for clinical laboratories from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). After reviewing HFAP’s policies, requirements, and process, CMS determined the accreditation program meets the requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program, which exempts HFAP-accredited clinical labs from undergoing routine inspections by a state survey agency to affirm compliance. HFAP’s deeming authority for clinical labs has been renewed through March 29, 2023.
“The renewal from CMS affirms the efficacy of the HFAP approach, which aims to drive quality improvement with user-friendly, education-focused, and cost-effective accreditation services and resources,” said Meg Gravesmill, CEO of AAHHS, HFAP’s parent company. “Our expert staff is trained to ensure all participating clinical laboratories gain insight from our accreditation process—through collaborative review of standards, survey deficiency reports and corrective action plans to ensure organizations understand the intent behind the requirements.”
The HFAP standards for clinical laboratories have been updated for 2019. These changes were also accepted by CMS and will go into effect on July 1, 2019. This approval comes shortly after HFAP received approval from CMS for a Change in Ownership (CHOW).
HFAP also holds deeming authority for ambulatory surgery centers, acute care, and critical access hospitals. In addition, HFAP offers specialty certification for three levels of stroke care, laser, and lithotripsy services, compounding pharmacies, joint replacement, and wound care, as well as accreditation programs without deemed status for these and other types of healthcare organizations.
