Ongoing Compliance Through Periodic Surveys
To ensure sustained compliance with all applicable AACI Accreditation Standards, accredited healthcare organizations are subject to annual periodic surveys. These surveys serve as a structured mechanism to monitor continued adherence, address previous findings, and support ongoing performance improvement. The focus of each survey will vary based on the organization’s scope, site(s), and services. For multi-site accreditations, surveys are designed to provide a comprehensive and balanced evaluation across all operational units.
Survey Frequency and Scheduling
-
Annual Requirement: At least one periodic survey must be conducted every calendar year.
-
First Periodic Survey:
-
Must occur within 12 months of the initial accreditation decision date
-
Postponement beyond 12 months is not permitted
-
Organizations will be informed of this requirement and should plan the survey well in advance to ensure timely compliance
-
-
Second Periodic Survey:
-
May be scheduled ± 3 months from the target date
-
However, it is recommended not to schedule it too close to the next reaccreditation survey, allowing sufficient time to address any findings
-
Key Requirements of Periodic Surveys
Each periodic survey will include:
-
A targeted review of departments or functions with previously identified critical or major nonconformities
-
Verification that all minor nonconformities from earlier surveys have been adequately addressed
-
Confirmation of corrective actions with documented evidence supporting the closure of each nonconformity, referenced in the prior survey report
This structured and proactive approach ensures that accredited organizations:
-
Maintain continuous compliance with AACI standards
-
Strengthen their quality and safety systems
-
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
-
Resolve any prior findings in a timely and transparent manner