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Standards Development

Standards Development provides quality improvement in patient care

The Standards Development Committee (SDC) is charged to ensure that AAAHC measurably drives quality improvement in patient care through Standards that reflect current best practice, are evidence-based and relevant to the intended setting(s), and are understandable, measurable, beneficial, and achievable.

Reports to Board of Directors

Activities and responsibilities

  • Provide oversight of the Expert Content Committees (ECCs) to ensure alignment with SDC Standards development methodologies and AAAHC strategy and policies.
  • Design and implement a structured periodic Standards review process; implement and maintain the Standards architecture including Standards weighting, scoring schemes, references and other fields requiring clinical expertise.
  • Develop and maintain core Standards that apply across all specialties and practices; serve as expert group for more complex Standards interpretation questions.
  • Develop and monitor related policies.
  • Evaluate Standards effectiveness (e.g., client and surveyor comprehension, deficiencies cited).
  • Oversee development and ongoing maintenance of crosswalks to CMS and other related Standards and guidance documents (e.g., NFPA).
  • Provide input on accreditation and certification tools (e.g., FAQs, client and surveyor education).
  • Recommend creation of ECCs based on organizational priorities, market demand and program development needs.
  • Establish an annual Standards Development cluster face-to-face meeting to which all SDC and ECC members are invited (at the annual November meeting) to provide policy and procedure updates, share trends, discuss risks and mitigation strategies, and establish priorities for the subsequent year to ensure alignment with Board and budget expectations.
  • Provide oversight to the Public Comment process for new and revised Standards when Public Comment is warranted.
  • Comply with all Governance Unit and AAAHC policies.
Authorities
  • Provide oversight to Expert Content Committees (ECC).
  • Approve all new and revised Standards and determine which new and revised Standards require Board approval and Public Comment.
Composition, Expertise or Experience Required
  • Interest in promoting quality in ambulatory care with ability to think beyond a single specialty or ambulatory setting type.
  • Professional experience in an ambulatory health care setting. Technical or clinical expertise in a clinical specialty.
  • AAAHC surveyor experience preferred, but not required.
Benefits of Membership
  • Learn how Standards are developed, tested, interpreted, and assessed for ongoing relevance and currency.
  • Contribute to the improvement of ambulatory care quality and patient outcomes.

See our Governance Unit Application Process here


Annual Time Commitment Requirements

Activity# Per YearDurationDay/TimeLocation
Face-to-face meetings1-20.5-1.0 daysVariableVariable
Conference calls9-101.0-1.5 hrsEvenings
Hours/year of committee work required outside of meetings/calls15-30Additional travel or time commitmentsNone

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Achieving Accreditation

Strengthen your accreditation readiness

Achieving Accreditation is an interactive, immersive event designed to help you learn and prepare for your AAAHC survey while developing a deeper understanding of AAAHC Standards. We are facing the future together…1095 Strong!

Learn more about Achieving Accreditation

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Kershner Quality Improvement Award

Check out exemplary studies

Kershner QI Awards recognize excellence in quality improvement methodology and outcomes for AAAHC-accredited organizations in both the surgical/procedural and primary care space.

Learn more about QI innovation