HFAP to Keep Name, Transition to AAHHS Brand Canceled

The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) is scrapping a plan to merge brands with the Accreditation Association for Hospitals/Health Systems (AAHHS).

According to HFAP media representative Mary Velan, there’s currently no AAHHS brand to speak of, nor is there going to be one in the near future. Further, she says, “moving forward there will be only HFAP.”

Even though the name change is off, HFAP members shouldn’t worry, says Velan. The change won’t affect any of the services provided by HFAP or its survey process.

“HFAP continues with its mission of advancing high-quality patient care and safety through objective application of recognized standards,” Velan says. The accreditor is expanding its specialty care certification programs, including stroke, lithotripsy, wound care, joint arthroplasty, and compounding pharmaceuticals, she adds.

HFAP is also working on renewing its CMS deeming authority prior to its expiration in 2019.

HFAP was acquired by AAHHS’ parent organization, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), back in 2015. The acquisition was the first time two organizations with deeming authority transitioned to single ownership. HFAP was created in 1945 to review services provided by osteopathic hospitals. It has had CMS deeming authority since 1965 to accredit all hospitals, ambulatory care/surgical facilities, mental health facilities, physical rehabilitation facilities, clinical laboratories, and critical access hospitals.