ACHC Surveyor Spring 2014 | Page 15

THE HOSPICE DEEMING AUTHORITY SURVEYOR I SPRING 2014 Healthcare accrediting organizations (AOs) can choose to seek deeming authority from the CMS. Through this process, the AO must apply and be able to show evidence that its standards meet or exceed those regulations required by CMS. When the AO successfully completes the process and obtains deeming authority, the AO can perform a survey on behalf of CMS and determine if a Hospice or Home Julie Pazun, Director of Home Health, Hospice, Health organization is in compliance with CMS Conditions of Private Duty, Behavioral Health & Ambulatory Care Participation (CoPs). CMS officials conduct the process for granting deeming authority, which is a rigorous evaluation of the AO’s standards and on-site corporate office administrative functions including the process for handling complaints and Surveyor training. CMS must also conduct an observation at the customer site of the Surveyor’s completion of the survey. CMS first granted deeming authority to ACHC’s Hospice Accreditation program in 2009. This past winter, ACHC renewed its application and was awarded deeming authority for six additional years. The status will remain in effect until November 27, 2019. The renewed approval of ACHC’s Hospice program indicates that the entire organization is committed to ensuring that providers are delivering the highest quality of care to their patients. With Hospice deeming authority, ACHC can conduct initial Hospice surveys for organizations seeking to become a Medicare participating provider, as well as conduct ongoing surveys for those that already have a provider number. ACHC’S TRANSITION PROGRAM Confidence to strengthen your approach A BRIGHTER SIDE TO ACCREDITATION corridorgroup.com | 866-263-3795 visit achc.org/transition Survey Prep • Accreditation Resources • Manuals & Tools A C C R E D I T AT I O N C O M M I S S I O N f o r H E A LT H C A R E I 15