Medical Staff

Ask the expert: We just merged with a facility that has a different accreditor than we do. Do we need to change accreditation providers?

Medical Staff Leader Connection, September 9, 2010

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Medical staff and administrative leaders must decide whether it is more beneficial for the parties involved to maintain separate accreditation providers or adopt the same one. “Arguably, if you applied the same standards across the board, you would be in compliance with The Joint Commission, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, and DNV,” says Michael Callahan, Esq., partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP in Chicago.

Although the standards are similar between the three providers, differences exist. For example, The Joint Commission requires reappointment every two years, whereas DNV allows for three years, as permitted by state law. Medical staff and administrative leaders must take these differences into account when deciding whether to require all facilities to use the same accrediting agency. Keep in mind that this decision may be based on the organization’s culture and familiarity with the various accreditation standards. Leaders should involve MSPs from the start, as they have a solid grasp of these standards.
 

This week’s question and answer are from “What to do when medical staffs join forces after a merger or acquisition,” in the September issue of Medical Staff Briefing (subscription required).
 



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