A brief history of the programs
HFAP was the first healthcare accreditation program in the United State, developed in 1945 by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to conduct an objective review of services provided by osteopathic hospitals.
The Acute Care Hospital Accreditation Program (including long term acute care) was recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 1965 with the award of deeming authority. Additional accreditation programs for critical access hospitals (CAHs), ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and clinical laboratories also hold CMS deeming authority, with laboratories recognized under CLIA. Office-based surgery settings are also eligible for accreditation.
In 2006, HFAP developed certification options to establish standards and recognize specialty programs within accredited healthcare facilities. Certification options include stroke, laser/lithotripsy, wound care, and joint replacement.
In 2015, the AOA entered into an agreement with the Accreditation Association for Hospitals/Health Systems (AAHHS) for the acquisition of HFAP programs. The sale and the transfer of deeming authority were discussed with CMS, and a process was approved and finalized in early 2017.
A new life at 75
HFAP celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2020, by building on a legacy of education-based programs that promote safe, high quality patient care across a range of settings through a historic merger.
On October 19, 2020, Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and AAHHS, HFAP’s parent company, became the first two accrediting organizations with deeming authority from CMS to merge. The merger unites the two legal entities under the ACHC brand, adding HFAP accreditation and certification programs to an existing portfolio of deemed programs for home health, hospice, renal dialysis, home infusion therapy, and DMEPOS and non-deemed programs for pharmacy, behavioral health, assisted living, palliative care and other specialties.
With over 100 years of combined experience promoting safe, high quality patient care, the combined resources of the new ACHC will drive innovation, streamline services, and create additional value for new and existing customers of our previously separate, nonprofit organizations.
