Our most frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is accreditation?
Is the ACHS accreditation process similar to an audit?
Is accreditation compulsory in Australia?
Is it compulsory to collect clinical indicators?
How is the ACHS funded?

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is the status obtained by an organisation after a successful third party external evaluation by a recognised body to assess whether an organisation meets applicable pre-determined and published standards

Is the ACHS accreditation process similar to an audit?

No. The focus of ACHS accreditation programs is to provide a framework for continuous improvement. ACHS accreditation is not quality assurance, or ticking the boxes and staying at the same level of performance. It is about establishing a structure and processes that allow quality and safety to proliferate.

Is accreditation compulsory in Australia

Internationally and nationally, governments and funders are increasingly seeking objective evidence of continuous improvement, responsiveness to patients and quality health outcomes in a nation’s health facilities.

Globally there is an increased reliance by the public sector on the results of voluntary and regulated accreditation activities. While in the private sector many insurance funds are designating selected service providers on the basis of accreditation status. There is also an increasing demand for accountability of health services for the quality of care they provide.

Is it compulsory to collect clinical indicators?

Not from the perspective of the ACHS. The ACHS clinical indicator program is voluntary. However, to meet the standards of the ACHS accreditation program (EQuIP) an organisation is required to collect and evaluate relevant clinical indicators.

This may be done through sets of indicators other than those established by the ACHS. For example some individual state health departments mandate the collection and submission of specific indicators.

The benefit of collecting ACHS indicators is the ability to compare with peers and the national rate through six-monthly reporting arrangements.

How is the ACHS funded?

The ACHS is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. The vast majority of our funding is from our membership base. We also sometimes receive funding from government organisations and other industry bodies, linked to individual projects.