Stamps Health Services (SHS) is proud to announce their reaccreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC). Georgia Tech is one of only three universities within the state of Georgia to hold this accreditation. The accreditation provides reassurance for the Georgia Tech community that they will receive convenient, high-quality care when they need it and that the organization focuses on monitoring and improving quality of care.

The accreditation process takes place every three years with SHS last receiving the accreditation in 2015. As part of the process, AAAHC conducts a thorough, independent survey of policies and practices against nationally-recognized standards, reviewing every aspect of care and operations. SHS Senior Director, Dr. Holton said, “The process to receive accreditation is ongoing as we strive to operate at all times in a manner consistent with quality standards. We reviewed policies for clarity and accuracy and made sure that we had policies that addressed the required standards.”  The rigorous process involved self-assessment by SHS, employee credentialing reviews, equipment and facilities assessments, followed by an on-site review conducted by AAAHC surveyors, who are current healthcare professionals.

AAAHC evaluation is patient-centered. It focuses on making sure that patients are informed, engaged, and empowered through their relationship with providers and accessible, comprehensive, and continuous quality care. Surveyors review each health center based on eight core standards:

• Patient Rights & Responsibilities
• Governance
• Administration
• Quality of Care
• Quality Management & Improvement
• Clinical Records & Health Information
• Infection Prevention Control & Safety
• Facilities & Environment

The accreditation process also reviews provided services, including pharmacy, pathology and lab, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesia and surgical related services to make sure they are meeting national standards set by governing bodies.

Dr. Mike Huey, Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Emory University Student Health Services and immediate past president of the American College Health Association, conducted this year’s accreditation survey. Dr. Huey made note of several highlights from his tour. He described SHS’s annual quality report as the best he has seen in college health calling it “as comprehensive and sophisticated as one at a much larger hospital system.” He also called infection prevention and control efforts led by Dr. Pickens as, “noteworthy and unique.” These efforts include monthly culture testing of surfaces throughout the building. Linda Dillard, custodial supervisor, works with Dr. Pickens to keep the building in pristine condition and prevent the spread of illness. Their work prevents the occurrence of outbreaks and lowers infection risks to campus.

 Dr. Holton considers the achievement of accreditation possible because of the entire SHS staff. He said,

“I am very proud of the incredible group of individuals who work at Stamps Health Services. They are dedicated to the welfare of students at Georgia Tech and work hard to provide the highest quality of care and best patient experience for our students. Accreditation is very much a team accomplishment, and it is an acknowledgment of their dedication and excellence.”

AAAHC is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1979 to assist ambulatory health care organizations in improving the quality of care provided to patients by establishing, reviewing, and revising standards, measuring performance, and providing consultation and education. For more information about AAAHC go to aaahc.org.