Posted in: Triangle Times Today
Volume 5 | Issue 1 | January 2026
Kick Off 2026 the 1095 Strong Way: Resolutions That Power Real Readiness and Meaningful Continuous Improvement
Six steps to delivering exceptional ambulatory care
The New Year is more than a calendar change—it’s a powerful reset button for organizations committed to delivering exceptional ambulatory care, every day of the 1095-day accreditation cycle. If a health care organization is looking to level up its culture of quality in 2026, here are practical, high-impact “readiness resolutions” that can help a care team stay sharp, aligned, and ahead of the curve.
1. Start with the essentials: Know the Standards
Launch the year by downloading the v44 Accreditation Handbook from the 1095 Engage Help Curtain. Pair it with the free 1095 Learn webinar that breaks down the v44 updates into clear, actionable insights. Then compare the changes against policies and SOPs—an easy way to confirm that documentation reflects what happens in practice.
2. Make 2026 the year of organized excellence
Annual policy reviews, training updates, and competency validations are more than requirements—they are anchors that ensure safe, consistent care. Now is a great time to revisit materials, identify gaps, and streamline processes where needed.
3. Turn past insights into future wins
Host a short team lunch-and-learn to revisit the most recent survey report and correction plan. Celebrate what is working, decide what needs attention, and preview both the 2025 Quality Roadmap and the 2026 Quality Roadmap coming in Q2. These conversations fuel culture, clarity, and shared accountability.
4. Get the organization’s digital house in order, and unlock the full power of 1095 Engage
A few minutes in 1095 Engage can go a long way. Start by ensuring the organization Profile is accurate, contacts are up to date, and system users are familiar with core features. After reviewing the v44 Standards and completing a self-assessment, the organization will be ready to submit the annual attestation within 45 days of the Anniversary Date.
To get the most from the system, invest time in the 1095 Engage eLearning modules, designed to improve navigation, enhance utilization, and help care team’s tap into the platform’s full functionality. Information about accessing the training is located here. From document management to curated
Standards, greater confidence in 1095 Engage means smoother survey preparation and ongoing readiness. Readiness is built in small steps—and this is one of the easiest and most impactful to complete. 
5. Build a monthly rhythm of learning
Start a simple habit: review Triangle Times Today with the care team each month for a steady pulse check on Standards, best practices, and emerging trends.
For deeper learning and reinforcement, register for Achieving Accreditation—live or virtual. It’s a readiness booster, a networking opportunity, and a smart investment in the team’s confidence and any-time readiness.
6. Elevate the organization’s quality improvement strategy
Revisit quality improvement (QI) studies with fresh eyes: Are they aligned with real improvement opportunities? Are they meaningful—not just manageable? Use the Developing Meaningful QI Studies in the 1095 Engage Help Curtain to guide next steps. If an organization completes a standout QI study, consider submitting it for the 2026 Bernard A. Kershner Innovations in Quality Improvement Award to share insights and recognize the team’s excellence. Visit the AAAHC website for more information on Kershner QI Award requirements.
With these readiness resolutions, an organization can shape 2026, building a culture of continuous improvement that lasts far beyond January. And remember, AAAHC staff are here to help every step of the way, offering the resources, guidance, and support needed to stay 1095 Strong all year long.
Beating the Winter Blues: Supporting Behavioral Health in Ambulatory Care
Seasonal changes often influence behavioral health, and winter months can bring unique challenges—from low energy to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As AAAHC-accredited organizations continue to deliver safe, high-quality care, understanding how winter impacts mood and well-being is increasingly important for both patients and the health care teams who support them.
Understanding winter depression in health care settings
While many people experience mild “winter blues,” SAD is a clinical condition caused by reduced exposure to natural light and shifts in circadian rhythms. It affects an estimated 1 percent to 10 percent of the population (Akkaoui & Geoffroy, 2025), and can lead to fatigue, sleep changes, and decreased interest in everyday activities.
But patients aren’t the only ones affected. From 2018 to 2022, health care workers reported rising rates of poor mental health days, with burnout increasing from 11.6 percent to 19 percent (Bohman et al., 2023). Winter months can amplify these pressures—shorter days, heavier workloads, and the emotional intensity of caring for others can take a real toll on those providing care.
Evidence-informed interventions
- Light Therapy Light therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for SAD and has demonstrated outcomes comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT tailored for SAD helps individuals reframe negative seasonal
thoughts and stay connected to enjoyable activities (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). - Lifestyle Strategies Regular physical activity, social engagement, and consistent sleep routines
offer protective benefits for both patients and staff (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). - Workplace Mental Health Initiatives A systematic review of workplace mental health programs found that 97 of 118 interventions improved outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Supportive leadership, reasonable workloads, and organizational trust were among the strongest protective factors (Bohman et al., 2023).
Practical considerations for AAAHC organizations
AAAHC’s commitment to continuous quality improvement naturally includes supporting behavioral health. Organizations may consider:
Patient care
- Using validated screening tools for SAD and winterrelated mood changes
- Sharing educational materials that normalize symptoms and encourage early help-seeking
- Facilitating access to evidence-based treatments like light therapy, CBT-SAD, and community resources
Staff well-being
- Raising awareness about normal seasonal mood fluctuations
- Encouraging reasonable workloads and supportive team dynamics
- Promoting self-care routines, walking breaks, or access to natural light
- Offering employee assistance programs and peer support opportunities
Quality improvement
- Monitoring patient outcomes and staff well-being indicators during winter
- Staying informed about emerging behavioral health interventions
- Recognizing that a healthier team contributes directly to stronger patient care and safer environments
Winter can challenge everyone involved in ambulatory care—from patients seeking support to health care workers balancing busy schedules and personal well-being. When staff experience depression or burnout, it can affect job satisfaction, attendance, and the ability to provide the best care possible (World Health Organization, 2024).
AAAHC’s philosophy of 1095 Strong, quality every day embraces not just clinical excellence but also the overall well-being of the people who make that excellence possible. By thoughtfully supporting behavioral health—through evidence-based care for patients and nurturing workplace environments for staff—organizations can help their entire community navigate winter with resilience and strength.
References
Akkaoui, M. A., & Geoffroy, P. A. (2025). Screening and evaluating seasonal affective disorder: A systematic review of available assessment tools. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 187, 223–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.05.008
Bohman, M. B., Citrome, K. R., Strickland, J. R., & Luckhaupt, S. E. (2023). Vital Signs: Health worker–perceived working conditions and symptoms of poor mental health—Quality of Worklife Survey, United States, 2018–2022. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(44), 1197–1205. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7244e1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 9). Providing support for worker mental health. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/providing-support-for-workers-and-professionals.html
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Seasonal affective disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
World Health Organization. (2024, August 21). Why are so many health and care workers suffering poor mental health and what can be done about it? Perspectives from Finland.https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/featurestories/item/why-are-so-many-health-and-care-workers-suffering-poormental-health-and-what-can-be-done-about-it—-perspectives-from-finland
Showcase Your Best Work: Submit Your QI Study for the 2026 Bernard A. Kershner Innovations in Quality Improvement Award
AAAHC encourages accredited organizations to demonstrate their innovation, creativity, and commitment to excellence and quality improvement! The Kershner QI Award is AAAHC’s signature opportunity for accredited organizations to shine a spotlight on the quality improvement (QI) projects
that are moving ambulatory care forward. If your team has completed a meaningful, sustained improvement initiative—this is your moment.
AAAHC welcomes submissions now!
Deadline: March 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CT
Each accredited organization may submit one completed QI study from its most recent three-year accreditation cycle. Be sure your project includes at least one or two rounds of sustainment—we want to see how you kept the momentum going!
How to submit
All entries must be submitted through the online portal following the requirements on the AAAHC website. The strongest submissions clearly and concisely tell the story of your improvement journey using the AAAHC Six-Component QI Framework.
Know the six components of a successful QI study
- Purpose – What problem did you tackle and why?
- Goal – What target did you set? By when?
- Data Analysis – What did your data reveal about the root cause of the problem?
- Corrective Action(s) – What steps did you implement to close the gap?
- Remeasurement – How did you track and sustain improvement?
- Communication – How did you share results across your organization
This structure helps reviewers clearly see your strategy, teamwork, and measurable impact.
What’s at stake?
An expert panel will select six finalists, three from primary care and three from surgical/procedural settings.
Finalists benefits:
- Present posters and celebrate the Achieving Accreditation program in December 2026
- Enjoy complimentary registration for Achieving Accreditation
- Receive a $500 honorarium
- Land promotions in AAAHC publications and communications
This is your opportunity for national recognition and to inspire other organizations across the AAAHC
community.
Submit your study today and let your improvement story take center stage.
Submission details:
aaahc.org/Kershner26
AAAHC Six-Component Criteria Guide:
aaahc.org/IQI-Resources
Questions?
Email quality@aaahc.org
AAAHC Standards Interpretation
National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) Clarifies Role in Education Verification
To clarify Standards requirements and reduce confusion noted during recent surveys, AAAHC is
providing additional guidance on the appropriate process for verifying nurse anesthetist education.
The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) has confirmed that it is not a primary source verification organization for education. While the NBCRNA requires primary source education verification for candidates taking the National Certification Exam (NCE), this verification must come directly from the anesthesia program the CRNA attended. This requirement is outlined in the NCE Handbook available on the NBCRNA website.
In cases where an anesthesia program has permanently closed and no other entity maintains
the records, the NBCRNA may provide verification—but only with a signed release from the CRNA.
For other verification needs, the National Student Clearinghouse offers a reliable alternative. It provides education verification services for a fee ranging from $20 to $30 and requires only a free account to access.
Health care organizations should ensure they request education verification from the appropriate primary sources to maintain compliance and credentialing standards.
Conferences & Exhibits
- National Association of Community Health Centers, February 9–12, Washington, D.C.
- Regent Surgical Health, February 17–19, Las Vegas, NV
- Southern College Health Association, March 16–18, Raleigh, NC
1095 Learn
2026 Achieving Accreditation
- March 19–20, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®, Orlando, FL
- September 14–16, Virtual
- December 10–11, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, NV
