THE
[
SLEEP ]
ACHC released new Home Sleep Testing standards to provide a
stand-alone accreditation option for polysomnography services that
are conducted in the home setting. Many providers are offering sleep
testing services in the home setting in an effort to comply with payor
requirements and provide increased access for patients with obstructive
sleep apnea. By developing standards specifically for providers of home
sleep testing services, our goal is to help improve the quality of patient
care through standards that align with national compliance and industry
best practices.
ACHC also offers full Sleep Lab accreditation for sleep testing services
conducted in independent diagnostic, hospital, physician, or home-based
testing facilities. Providers that achieve ACHC Sleep Lab accreditation
will also include the home sleep testing component.
[
PHARMACY ]
Long Term Care Pharmacies (LTCs) face a unique set of challenges
compared with traditional retail pharmacies. Demographic trends
project a strong demand for Long Term Care Pharmacies over the next
20 years. Though currently not a requirement, this projected increase
in pharmacy spend by federal and private payors may lead to increased
oversight or accreditation requirements. ACHC has developed
standards specific to LTCs to help them continue to provide the highest
quality services in an efficient manner throughout this projected growth.
ACHC Infusion Pharmacy standards have always included compliance
with USP 797 for sterile compounding. During 2013, we will also
be releasing stand-alone standards for sterile compounding that
are compliant with USP 797 as well as standards for non-sterile
compounding that are compliant with USP 795.
[
[
SURVEYOR
I FALL 2013
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ]
ACHC offers accreditation for Psychiatric Home
Care specifically created for Home Health agencies
providing this specialty service. Psychiatric Home
Care, also referred to as Behavioral Health Home
Care, integrates behavioral health interventions
into home care services for patients whose mental
illness, substance abuse or intellectual/development
disabilities make it difficult or otherwise prevent them
from receiving care outside of their homes. Services
are provided by a psychiatric nurse and other home
care personnel, as ordered by a physician.
Psychiatric Home Care may be included as a
specialty service for providers seeking ACHC
accreditation for Home Health. For Home Health
agencies already accredited by ACHC, we recommend
adding this specialty service during your accreditation
renewal process.
Amedisys Home Health strives to
lead innovation and advancement of
behavioral health services across the
nation. Accreditation helps us ensure
that we remain on the leading edge of
innovation and quality care. Meeting
these standards provides worthy goals
for which to strive at every care center.”
Elizabeth C. Gregory PhD, RN,CNS, LPC
Director of Behavioral Health Amedisys Home Health
DMEPOS ]
Sensitive to the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by
healthcare providers, ACHC has introduced three payment
options for DMEPOS, Pharmacy and Sleep accreditation. These
we