What's New – and Improved – for Accreditation

"This evaluation was my first experience and I have to say I was very impressed with the communication, organization and friendly helpful attitudes of everyone I dealt with. The process was very smooth. I appreciated the online tools. As we worked through the evaluation, the information available was extremely useful and it was an incredible team building experience. We are all proud to say we are AAHA accredited as so many people helped make it happen." — Mandy Seals, Oregon State University Lois Bates Acheson Teaching Hospital Small Animal Clinic

Constantly Evolving

Did you know that the standards and the accreditation process are always changing? Sometimes the changes are very subtle clarifications of a standard or an upgrade that leads to a more user-friendly process. Other times changes are more significant such as when the standards process went online in July 2008. AAHA's voluntary leadership and staff are committed to keeping you informed of these changes to ensure the accreditation process provides you the impetus to stay focused on continuous improvement. Below you will find the most recent changes. If you have questions, please give us a call at 800/252-2242 or email your questions to us at practice.accreditation@aahanet.org.

Process Changes

A limited number of questions were added to the online tool with the goal of expediting the evaluation process via customization. As an example, if the practice offers digital imaging it is unlikely that they will need a film processor. When the practice answers the rule-out question acknowledging that they use digital imaging the standards related to film radiography are automatically removed from the list of standards that the practice must answer.

Continuous improvement is a goal of the accreditation program and to facilitate this goal effective July 1, 2009, the percentages for determining a passing level were raised in the following sections:

• Anesthesia – 70%
• Client Service – 73%
• Diagnostic Imaging – 52%
• Pain Management – 71%
• Patient Care – 73%
• Surgery – 75%

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Online Tool?

If you haven't been opening the "View Tip", "Resources" and "View Protocol" options on your tool, you've been missing out. These helpful new tools provide your team with the information they need to implement change and promote continuous improvement. As an added benefit it also keeps them focused on team building throughout the year!

Changes to the Standards of Accreditation

The following standards were rewritten and/or changed to clarify the intent of the standard.

Anesthesia Section

• AN27. If the practice performs anesthesia, the following items are available in the induction area:
  • AN27u. Device for measuring the patient's body temperature
• AN31. Endotracheal tubes are dried and stored in a manner that prevents contamination prior to use. (i.e. an open rack near a dental area is not acceptable; however, a clean, dry drawer or enclosed case near the induction area is acceptable).

Dentistry Section

• DE6. Post-extraction radiographs are taken. In order to address the fact that compliance with this standard may vary, it was also converted to a variable standard.
• DG63. Complete dental radiographic services are available. Appropriate techniques, film and equipment are utilized (applicable if film/non-digitalized dental radiography is utilized).

Diagnostic Imaging Section

• DG9. The practice has a means of creating a CD of the digital images that will enable others (the owners and the receiving/referral veterinary practices) to view the images without proprietary software.
• DG74. Computerized tomography is performed in a competent and safe manner.
• DG77. Thoracic case study. The following criteria are met:
  • Three views: Lateral each side and V/D (or D/V) taken on the same day
  • Study taken within one year of the evaluation date
  • Patient weighs at least 50 pounds
  • Interpretations/medical record is included

Housekeeping and Maintenance Section

• HM25. Snow and/or other storm debris is removed as soon as possible after the event.

Laboratory Section

The laboratory log or similar tracking mechanism were separated into two separate elements.

• Add LA14.0 a-i. An in-house laboratory log or similar tracking mechanism is maintained to ensure results are received, reviewed by the veterinarian and conveyed to client. The following information is included...
• Add LA14.1 a-h. An outside laboratory log or similar tracking mechanism is maintained to ensure results are received, reviewed by the veterinarian and conveyed to client. The following information is included...

Patient Care Section

• PC89. Floors and/or runs are well sealed, clean and in good condition.

Surgery Section

• MA44. Prior to each use surgical instruments are properly cleaned, repackaged, and sterilized utilizing either an autoclave, ethylene oxide or gas plasma sterilizer.
• SX39k. Scavenger for laser and/or electrocautery smoke

The Following Standards Were Eliminated:

Diagnostic Imaging Section DG11. If digital images are produced and hard copies are generated by a laser printer, operation of the equipment meets the recommendations of the manufacturer. Patient Care Section PC39d. Other devices such as hot water bottles

Surgery Section

• SX23. The use of cold sterilization is limited to those instruments used in minor surgical procedure or for delicate lensed instruments (endoscopes, etc.).
• SX24. Cold sterilization solutions are changed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations or sooner if contaminated.