The ACHS Certification Program

The ACHS Certification Program is a quality management program specifically directed to the needs of newly established health care organisations and other organisations that have not yet developed formal quality improvement programs.The Certification Program assists these organisations to establish the structures, systems, policies and procedures that will help them strive for excellence in the key organisational functions of EQuIP

The Program guides organisations in monitoring the outcomes they achieve in each of these critical areas and in identifying where improvements are required. It also provides for the independent review and evaluation of these systems. The Program provides a ‘lead in’ to EQuIP ensuring appropriate structures are established to deliver quality care and services. An organisation that has achieved ACHS Certification is in the position, from early in its operation, to monitor its outcomes and achievements, to identify areas for improvement and to take action to improve.

What are the benefits of the Certification Program?

The Certification Standards guide organisations in establishing good practices in all key functional areas. Certification enables an organisation to access the Certification surveyors’ experience and expertise of industry standards and best practice, helping them to implement effective systems and focus on best practice.

Effective use of the Certification Program will assist newly established health care organisations to:

·          establish the infrastructure to support the delivery of quality care and services

·          develop strong leadership

·          establish a culture of continuous quality improvement

·          focus on customers

·          focus on outcomes

·          strive for best practice.

Who can apply for ACHS Certification?

It is not essential that all newly established organisations participate in the ACHS Certification Program. The Program is available as an option to those organisations that would benefit from assistance in establishing structures and processes before participating in the EQuIP. Some organisations will choose to immediately join EQuIP rather than apply for Certification.

ACHS Certification is valid for eighteen (18) months. Certification can only be provided  to an organisation once. Having received Certification the organisation is then ready to move to EQuIP. Organisations that have been certified by the ACHS will be invited to join EQuIP approximately six (6) months after receiving Certification. An EQuIP Organisation-Wide Survey will then be conducted fifteen (15) months after Certification, allowing the organisation to maintain continuity between ACHS Certification and Accreditation.

Fees for Certification are based on the size and complexity of the organisation. Contatc a Customer Services Manager on achs@achs.org.au for details.