UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- University Health Services (UHS), Penn State’s student health service on the University Park campus, has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This is the seventh time UHS has been officially recognized by AAAHC for delivering excellent health care services to patients. UHS has maintained accreditation since 1994.
UHS underwent the extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services — meeting and exceeding strict standards in areas such as patient rights, clinical records-keeping, quality of care, and infection control and safety. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all who undergo an on-site survey are granted accreditation.
UHS received praise from AAAHC surveyors for “demonstrated high quality of health care” and excellence in allergy services, travel services and alcohol education. “The allergy shot process at UHS was singled out as a “best practice that can serve as a model for other clinics.”
Nancy Lambert, assistant director at UHS, oversees the accreditation preparation process, and noted all chapters of the survey were rated SC or substantial compliance. “This rating is like getting a straight-A report card.” UHS Director Dr. Margaret Spear noted. “It is the dedication of all UHS staff that makes continued accreditation possible. Every department is involved in continuous quality improvement efforts.”
The AAAHC only accredits organizations that are committed to providing high-quality care and services, as reflected in their standards. UHS passed a rigorous and nationally recognized review of all aspects of its policies, procedures and operations. Of the over 1,500 health services at institutions of higher education in this country, less than 200 are accredited.
Damon Sims, Vice President for Student Affairs at Penn State added “The health center’s staff knows the critically important connection between student health and student success. Ours is among the very best student health services in the country because its staff is unequalled, and the satisfaction our students express about the service and support they find there is all the proof required.”
The AAAHC, founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 5,000 organizations accredited nationwide. AAAHC accredits a variety of organizations including, ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, student health centers, military health care clinics, and large medical and dental practices. AAAHC serves as an advocate for the provision of high-quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards, and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies, and the public. To learn more, visit www.aaahc.org.