Why Update Your 1095 Engage Profile Now?

There’s no time like the present to update your organization’s Profile and begin experiencing the benefits of 1095 Engage, including timely, curated Standards and streamlined renewal. Keeping the Profile up-to-date increases readiness for an upcoming survey and drives the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Key benefits of updating your Profile
Streamlined process There are no paper forms required for submitting changes. Everything is done through 1095 Engage, saving time and reducing paperwork.
Survey readiness By keeping your information current, you’ll be ready for your next survey well ahead of time. This will allow for smoother preparation, reducing stress as your renewal date approaches.

Four key Change Notifications required
Before you can complete your accreditation renewal, it is necessary to submit the following four Change Notifications in 1095 Engage in this order. These updates are crucial for maintaining the accuracy of the organization’s Profile and ensuring relevant curation.

Ownership – Ensure any changes in ownership are updated
Scope of Service – If there have been any changes to the services your organization offers, update this section
Reporting – Update any changes to the organization’s reporting structure or requirements
Required field update – Ensure all required fields are updated as needed to maintain the accuracy of the information

Significant event Change Notifications are also available, including Renovation, Relocation, and CCN update. All accredited organizations are required to inform AAAHC within 15 days of the change occurrence.

Note: Even if your organization hasn’t undergone significant changes recently, submission of these Change Notifications is required to complete the renewal Application.

Change Notifications are not required for organizations new to AAAHC.

Step-by-step guide to updating the 1095 Engage Profile

Log in to 1095 Engage
Navigate to Change Notifications On the left navigation bar, click the Client icon ( ) , then select Change Notifications.
Add a Change Notification Click the blue + button and fill out the necessary details, including selecting the type of change and specifying the effective date (usually today’s date).
Fill required fields Ensure all fields marked with a red asterisk * are populated before submitting.
Submit Once completed, submit the Change Notifications for your review.

Importance of updating contacts and user permissions

Each organization is required to have at least two users, a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and a Primary Contact. The CMO is responsible for signing and dating critical documents, such as the Annual Attestation, renewal Application, and scope and fee estimates.
Administrative changes, such as staff updates do not require Change Notifications and can be updated in real-time in 1095 Engage.
Manage contact permissions The CMO or Primary Contact can also add users and manage access by clicking on Access Requests & Permissions under the Client icon, then updating user permissions or denying access for former contacts.

Annual Attestation acknowledgement

The Annual Attestation is available 45 days before your organization’s Anniversary Date and must be electronically signed by your Chief Medical Officer. This attestation confirms your commitment to ongoing improvement and compliance during accreditation terms. You can also use the Self-

Assessment Tool downloadable from the 1095 Engage Help Curtain to identify areas where your organization may need to improve in meeting standards.

Client resources
By updating the Profile now, users will gain immediate access to valuable resources that help maintain ongoing compliance. These resources are available through the 1095 Engage Help Curtain accessible through the gray bar on the lower right part of the 1095 Engage screen:

Program resources, such as Policies and Procedures (P&Ps), the Accreditation Handbook, Survey Preparation Materials, and the Self-Assessment Tool
Marketing and Education resources, including the 1095 Learn eLearning curriculum
Additional resources, like guidance for developing meaningful Quality Improvement (QI) studies and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Proactive preparation leads to success
The renewal window opens 180 days prior to the organization’s Anniversary Date. Starting the update process now helps to ensure that an organization is prepared for the accreditation survey. This preparation not only streamlines the renewal process but also improves day-to-day operations, ultimately allowing greater focus on delivering patient-centered care and achieving better outcomes.

Leveraging AAAHC Standards with Telemedicine

Leveraging AAAHC Standards when using telemedicine can enhance the quality of care, patient safety, and overall efficiency of health care delivery. AAAHC Standards are designed to support high-quality care in ambulatory health care settings. With the increasing adoption of telemedicine, guidance and references have been incorporated into Standards to ensure that virtual care meets the same rigorous requirements as in-person care.

In the evolving landscape of health care, telemedicine has emerged as a pivotal service, bridging the gap between patients and health care providers through technology. Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications to provide clinical services to patients without an in-person visit, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and digital transmission of medical information.

Ensuring patient rights and responsibilities is a cornerstone of AAAHC Standards. In telemedicine settings, clinical staff must ensure that visual, auditory, and electronic privacy are maintained on the clinical side. Staff should encourage patients/clients to take steps to
ensure their privacy (e.g., private location and auditory/visual privacy) as noted in Standard PRR.100. Additionally, patients should be fully informed about the nature of telemedicine services, including the technology used, potential risks, and benefits. They should consent to the use of telemedicine before services are provided. The platform used must comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient information. This includes secure data
transmission and storage, as well as ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to patient records.

Maintaining high-quality care within the organization’s scope of services (CMC.290) through telemedicine requires that providers are credentialed and privileged to deliver telemedicine services as required by Standard CPV.130. This ensures that they have the necessary qualifications and are authorized to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.

Many health care organizations still rely on paper-based medical records despite the digital nature of telemedicine. Providers must meticulously document telemedicine services in such a system to ensure accuracy, continuity of care, and compliance with AAAHC clinical records (CRD) Standards. When using an electronic health record (EHR) system, they should integrate telemedicine services with the EHR to ensure seamless documentation and continuity of care and implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data from breaches and unauthorized access. Whether using paper or electronic health record systems, organizations must maintain complete, comprehensive, and accurate documentation.

Training staff and providers on telemedicine protocols is crucial. Training should include how to use the telemedicine platform, how to troubleshoot common issues, and where to log new issues. Along with training on technology, educating providers on how to conduct effective telemedicine consultations, engaging patients remotely, and performing virtual examination techniques are crucial for ensuring high-quality telemedicine care.

Developing comprehensive policies and procedures for telemedicine is essential. Policies should address adherence to clinical record requirements, telemedicine procedures, and compliance monitoring. Regular audits and reviews to ensure that telemedicine practices comply with AAAHC Standards and other regulatory requirements are essential for maintaining quality, safety, and compliance in telemedicine services.

Leveraging AAAHC Standards when using telemedicine requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses patient rights, credentialing and privileging, quality of care, and information management. By implementing robust training programs, developing comprehensive policies, and engaging patients effectively, health care organizations can ensure that their telemedicine services meet the highest standards of care.

The ABCDE of Detecting Skin Cancer

Summer is around the corner and as people begin to enjoy the sunny days ahead, health care providers must increase their diligence and provide proper dermatological recommendations and referrals for optimal patient care. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that approximately three million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year.

As one of the only cancers visible to patients, skin cancer screening involves a simple visual exam. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that individuals check their skin regularly for any unusual changes and report variations to a health care provider. Regular exams with a health care provider are important for anyone with a history of skin cancer.

In any setting, health care providers may be asked to assess “a spot” or may notice something unusual during an unrelated exam. Primary care settings often follow the “ABCDE” signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (larger than 6mm), and Evolving (change in size, shape, or color) for when to refer to dermatology and as a way to educate patients. Non-melanoma (squamous cell or basal cell), carcinoma, and melanoma diagnosis is ascertained via surgical biopsy, and ultimately a pathologist will conclude cancer type, if present, to determine diagnosis.

AAAHC Standard LRD.170 defines that laboratory test results are reviewed and acknowledged in writing (manually or electronically) by the ordering provider and CRD.210 defines that the laboratory reports are incorporated into the clinical record. It takes many providers working together to help patients stay safe in the sun and enjoy the summer days ahead!

Additional resources:

Honoring the Legacy of Ronald Selmer Moen at AAAHC

AAAHC remembers Ronald Selmer Moen, our founding CEO (1979–1990), who passed away on May 12, 2025. A visionary leader, his contributions helped shape the foundation and future of ambulatory accreditation in the United States. Ron passed away surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate leadership, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to service.

Ron played a pivotal role in establishing AAAHC’s identity and credibility. His leadership during those formative years laid the groundwork for AAAHC’s mission of improving health care quality through accreditation.

Ron brought to AAAHC not only his deep understanding of mental health and clinical psychology, but also his rare ability to bring people together, building consensus among diverse stakeholders and guiding the Board and volunteers toward shared vision and purpose. Under his stewardship, AAAHC grew into a respected authority in the field, with standards and practices that continue to shape care delivery today.

Ron’s legacy is not only in the standards he helped develop, but in the spirit of collaboration and innovation he inspired. As we continue the work he so passionately believed in, we remember him not just as a founder, but as a leader who shaped the very values we uphold today.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. May his memory continue to guide us, as we honor the past and carry his vision forward into the future.

Conferences & Exhibits

Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgical Centers
July 23–25, Orlando, FL
National Association of Community Health Centers
August 17–19, Chicago, IL
California Ambulatory Surgery Association
September 3 – 5, San Diego, CA
Ohio Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
September 24 – 25, Columbus, OH
1095 Learn

2025 Achieving Accreditation