Suspension
AACI may suspend accreditation if it determines that the organization poses an extreme, immediate, and unacceptable risk to the safety of patients, staff, or visitors based on surveys, investigations, complaints, or other activities. Suspension may also occur if the organization fails to submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) within thirty (30) working days of receiving the survey report, does not provide objective evidence of CAP implementation within the approved timeline, or denies AACI access for periodic or re-accreditation surveys. Additional grounds for suspension include violations of the accreditation agreement (e.g., non- payment of fees or refusal of access), false public claims about AACI accreditation, or stakeholder-provided information indicating regulatory or statutory non-compliance.
If AACI determines that suspension is warranted, the organization will receive a written notification detailing the reasons for suspension, required corrective actions, and deadlines for reinstatement. Organizations have ten (10) working days to respond or appeal the decision. During suspension, the organization and AACI must inform any inquirers of the suspension status, and all references to AACI accreditation in advertising materials are prohibited. Suspension cannot exceed six (6) months, and additional on-site surveys may be required to confirm compliance, with the costs charged to the organization per the original contract terms.
Withdrawal
AACI accreditation will be withdrawn if the organization fails to meet the conditions of suspension or if suspension is deemed insufficient. Withdrawal decisions will be formally communicated via letter, requiring the organization to cease use of the accreditation mark, remove all references to AACI accreditation, and return the accreditation certificate and copies to AACI. The organization will also be informed of its right to appeal.