HQAA launches new accreditation program

WATERLOO, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2013—HQAA has launched the first accreditation program specifically for facility-based ventilator care unit (FBVU) providers. “FBVU accreditation sets your ventilator unit apart from the competition,” according to Steve DeGenaro, RRT, Director of Survey Services at HQAA. “HQAA’s quality check shows your commitment to providing the best patient care.”

It is available for any facility-based ventilator care provider, including skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute care units, and group homes providing ventilator care. Accreditation is tied to the business entity providing the care, whether owned by the facility or an outside contractor. It is location-specific and is granted after a thorough application and survey process.

“FBVU accreditation was born of a need within the industry,” added Mary Nicholas, President/CEO at HQAA. “Providers familiar with HQAA’s reputation for quality improvement have been asking for this.”

The HQAA accreditation process is designed to meet the needs of industry professionals and satisfy standards established by various laws and regulations. HQAA staff also considered evidence-based guidelines from nationally recognized professional organizations, such as the American Association for Respiratory Care, when developing the standards. Accreditation can boost a provider’s image and integrity with referral sources, patients and their families, caregivers, potential customers and the medical community. “Becoming accredited says that your program stands up to important industry and quality standards beyond the minimum requirements of licensure,” said Nicholas.

Accreditation is also required by some payer sources and enhances a provider’s ability to generate third-party payment.

HQAA is a CMS-deemed authority accreditation body for DMEPOS. It’s the only accreditation organization to provide coaches to review standards, an online workroom to efficiently manage the process, and a service to maintain high quality standards between accreditation programs. HQAA offers accreditation programs for HME/DME, infusion/home IV compounding, pharmacies (limited and full-line DME), physician practices, and facility-based ventilator unit providers, as well as third-party billing organizations. For more information call 866-909-4722 or visit hqaa.org.