About ACHC

A Voice for Healthcare Providers

Your work is life-changing for the
people you care for. Our work
shines a light on yours.

From Local Business to International Accreditor.

Years ago, a small group of home care leaders and providers noticed a need in their industry and decided to face a new endeavor, head-on. At the grassroots level, they embarked on a journey to create an accreditation option that was sensitive to the needs of small providers in North Carolina. Their mission: to “ensure a voice for providers.”

Today, ACHC is an internationally recognized accrediting body with customers throughout the United States and beyond. We remain committed to providers, customer service, and quality patient care.

ACHC Through the Years

2021

Onward and Upward

From our grassroots beginnings as a local business to our trusted presence as an international accreditor, ACHC remains steadfastly committed to providers, customer service, and quality patient care.

2020

Merger with HFAP

After seeing an opportunity for alignment with America’s original healthcare accreditation program (established in 1945!), ACHC merged with HFAP in late 2020. This merger united two established stewards of quality care and patient safety and gave healthcare organizations an alternative, comprehensive source to meet their accreditation needs.

2016

Giving Back and More Recognition for ACHC

In line with our commitment to supporting local charities, in 2016, ACHC hosted its first annual “Chipping in for Charity” golf tournament.  2017 brought more accolades.  That year, we were recognized among “The Best Places to Work in Healthcare” (Modern Healthcare); “10 Fastest Growing Healthcare Companies” (Silicon Review); and “The Best Places to Work in the Triangle” (Triangle Business Journal).

2015

International Presence and Educational Center

With such success in domestic programs, the next natural expansion was the creation of ACHC International, Inc. It began providing certification to Canadian pharmacies to facilitate the safety and quality of compounded medications. Since then we’ve expanded to Australia and the Middle East with additional growth to come. “Accreditation University,” now ACHCU, was launched the same year to meet the educational needs of customers.

2012

New Headquarters in Cary, NC

Unprecedented growth and program expansion provided the backdrop for ACHC to build a new headquarters in Cary, NC in 2012.

2007

National Awards and Recognition

In 2007, ACHC was recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest growing privately held companies in America. Two years later, in 2009, ACHC received the Commitment Award from the North Carolina Awards for Excellence program. Additional recognition was achieved in 2011 when ACHC won the Ovation Award for HR Excellence.

2006

Program Expansions

In 2006, ACHC received Deeming Authority from CMS for Home Health and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS). CMS recognition provided a medium for growth.

2004

A Pioneer in Distinction

In 2004, ACHC met its goal to achieve certification of its ISO Quality Management System. This made ACHC the first healthcare accrediting organization in the world to achieve this distinction. During the next few years, ACHC experienced recognition, expansion and industry affirmation.

2001

A Footprint in National Recognition

In 2001, the nation’s largest home infusion company contracted with ACHC to accredit all their locations. This provided the national footprint and wider reputation that ACHC would need to gain national recognition. The need for accreditation was driven increasingly through acceptance from Managed Care Organizations. In 2002, ACHC accreditation was recognized by TRICARE; the health insurance for active military personnel and their families.

1997

Expansion and the Path to National Deeming Authority

After successfully accrediting a home care agency in Delta, Colorado in 1997, ACHC had demonstrated full capacity to meet customer needs, not only in North Carolina, but throughout the United States. This was an important step—expanding outside of the state was necessary to be approved by CMS as a national company and achieve deeming authority (authority to conduct surveys for CMS).

1994

Major Industry Changes Followed by Recognition and Growth

In what ended up being a very significant event for NCACIAS, Blue Cross Blue Shield announced in 1994 that all contract home health agencies had one year to become accredited. This led us to develop Home Health standards under the new name of “Accreditation Commission for Health Care” (ACHC). That year, we accredited our first Medicare-certified home health agency. Though a lot of hard work lay ahead, these changes were catalysts for future recognition and growth.

1986

A Small Launch for a Big Mission

First incorporated in 1986 under the name “North Carolina Accreditation Commission for In-Home Aide Services” (NCACIAS), our founders were dedicated to offering accreditation services to home care aide services providers.

Why ACHC Accreditation?

ACHC Accreditation Programs were created in consultation with industry experts to ensure relevance, value and integrity. We deliver the best in customer service through an educational approach to help you enhance the quality of services you provide and improve operational efficiencies. Our mission is simple: to deliver the best possible accreditation experience.

ACHC Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) is dedicated to delivering the best possible experience and to partnering with organizations and healthcare professionals that seek accreditation and related services.

Vision

We will be the preferred choice for accreditation services that benefit and inspire the providers, employees, and communities we serve.

Values
We will be:

We will be:

Committed to successful collaborations.

Flexible without compromising quality.

Personally accountable for providing the best possible experience.

Ethical in everything we do.

A work environment where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is non-negotiable.

A performance-based organization in our approach to achievement of goals.

1

Committed to successful collaborations.

2

Flexible without compromising quality.

3

Personally accountable for providing the best possible experience.

4

Ethical in everything we do.

5

A work environment where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is non-negotiable.

6

A performance-based organization in our approach to achievement of goals.

Find an ACHC-Accredited Provider.

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ACHC Blog.

Survey Ready? New Checklist Simplifies Record Preparation

Patient records are a vital part of the accreditation survey process. When a Surveyor arrives for your on-site survey, your organization must provide several patient record reports during the opening conference. A new ACHC checklist is available to help you assess your organization’s compliance with patient record requirements.

Medication Safety for Office-Based Surgery

Office-based surgery (OBS) centers are an attractive choice for patients seeking surgery outside the hospital setting. Not only are these centers providing quicker access to scheduling and lower out-of-pocket costs, but also they are increasing the variety and complexity of cases being performed in the office-based setting.

Medication Safety for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In any medical setting, accurate recordkeeping and safe management are essential for drugs and biologicals. Medications must always be properly secured and provided in a safe and effective manner. ACHC Standards are specific in how your ambulatory surgery center staff should manage medications and records.

Get Accredited.

Start your ACHC Accreditation process today to demonstrate your healthcare organization’s commitment to quality, gain a competitive edge, and drive continuous improvement.

Prepare Confidently with ACHCU Educational Resources.

Start preparing for accreditation now with 24/7 access to ACHCU—our educational division that offers an extensive collection of educational resources, including workshops, webinars, workbooks, and more.