Oregon Health Authority Recognizes AAAHC Medicare Deemed Status Accreditation for ASC Relicensure

Posted in: Announcements

Agreement enables eligible ASCs to satisfy Oregon relicensure survey requirements through AAAHC Medicare Deemed Status Accreditation

Eligible Oregon ambulatory surgery centers can now use AAAHC Medicare Deemed Status Accreditation to satisfy Oregon’s state relicensure survey requirements under a new agreement between the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

The agreement allows qualifying Oregon ASCs to use their AAAHC Medicare Deemed Status survey to satisfy Oregon’s relicensure survey requirement, reducing duplicative onsite surveys while maintaining compliance with both Oregon licensing requirements and the Medicare Conditions for Coverage.

By leveraging a single comprehensive survey process, eligible organizations can dedicate more time and resources to advancing patient safety, quality improvement, and operational excellence rather than preparing for multiple regulatory surveys.

“This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when regulators and accrediting organizations work together toward a common goal—protecting patients while reducing unnecessary administrative burden,” said Noel Adachi, MBA, President and CEO of AAAHC. “AAAHC’s Medicare Deemed Status Accreditation already provides Oregon ASCs with a rigorous evaluation against Medicare requirements. Recognizing that work for state relicensure allows organizations to focus their efforts where they matter most: delivering exceptional care.”

AAAHC is the nation’s leading accreditor of Medicare Deemed Status ambulatory surgery centers, providing a peer-based survey experience that emphasizes education, continuous quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.

“Recognizing AAAHC Medicare Deemed Status Accreditation enables Oregon to maintain strong oversight of ambulatory surgery centers while creating a more efficient licensing process,” said Mellony Bernal, Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority. “This collaboration reduces unnecessary duplication, supports continued state and federal compliance, and allows providers to focus on patient care.”

Eligible Oregon ASCs interested in learning more about AAAHC Medicare Deemed Status Accreditation or transitioning from another accrediting organization are encouraged to contact AAAHC. AAAHC also looks forward to meeting ASC leaders during the 2026 Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (OASCA) Annual Conference & Trade Show, October 15–16.