HFAP Merges With ACHC

The merger marks the first between two accrediting organizations with deeming authority from CMS. HFAP will be a brand under ACHC, but the company will operate independently.

• By David Kopf
• Oct 22, 2020

Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) have joined to form a single company that will provide accreditation and certification services to healthcare providers globally across the continuum of care. 

This merger marks the first time that two accrediting organizations with deeming authority from CMS have merged. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) formally approved the merger of ACHC and AAHHS, HFAP’s parent company, which became effective Oct. 19. 

ACHC has CMS deeming authority for home health, hospice, renal dialysis, home infusion therapy, and DMEPOS. With the merger, ACHC adds HFAP programs with CMS deeming authority for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and critical access hospitals. 

HFAP will operate as a brand within ACHC, and collectively the organization will be known as ACHC.  

ACHC will also gain additional HFAP offerings, such as accreditation programs for ambulatory specialty care (office-based surgery), non-deemed accreditation and specialty certification for four levels of stroke care, laser and lithotripsy services, inpatient and outpatient joint replacement and wound care. These will expand ACHC portfolio, which already includes programs for ambulatory care, behavioral health, pharmacy, private duty and sleep. 

“The union between ACHC and HFAP makes perfect sense, from our reputable legacies and complementary cultures, to our shared dedication to providing unparalleled service to clients,” said José Domingos, president and CEO of ACHC. “Together, the combined services of ACHC and HFAP open possibilities for healthcare providers, affording them more choices and greater ease in meeting the accreditation and certification needs of their organizations.”

“HFAP is America’s original healthcare accreditation program and, since its founding in 1945, has driven advancements in patient safety and quality of care through a collaborative, informative and peer-based approach to the accreditation experience,” said Meg Gravesmill, CEO of AAHHS. “ACHC has a similar philosophy, and the expanded program choices, available resources and education opportunities under the merged company give our customers greater value and convenience in meeting their strategic business goals and broadening plans for the future.”

This merger will not affect accreditation cycles for either ACHC or HFAP customers, according to ACHC. Current accreditation or certification status, account managers and processes will not change. Furthermore, the merger does not require current HFAP customers to undergo an initial survey. 
  
ACHC staff remain in Cary, N.C., outside Raleigh. HFAP staff are based either in Chicago or Cary.