University Health Services achieves reaccreditation

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Oklahoma State’s University Health Services was recently reaccredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The reaccreditation marks the ninth consecutive successful site survey, spanning 27 years of accreditation.

UHS was one of the first college health centers to apply for this quality evaluation. Successful completion of the accreditation process places UHS amongst the elite 10 percent of college health services that have pursued accreditation and met the rigorous standards of a nationally recognized third party.

“We’ve worked hard to receive this accreditation, and it’s an honor to be recognized as an elite health clinic,” said Chris Barlow, UHS director. “We will continue to provide quality care and have our patients’ best interests at heart.”

This is an important milestone in the continuing growth and success of UHS. Pursuing accreditation demonstrates a commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to all OSU students, faculty and staff, and the same high level of quality in clinical and operational practices.

The accreditation survey took place over two full days in August. The on-site survey is a comprehensive assessment against more than 800 standards across a broad spectrum of health care categories. These include patients’ rights and responsibilities, governance, administration, quality of care, quality management and improvement, clinical records and information, infection prevention, control and safety, health education and promotion, behavioral health services, and teaching and publication activities, among others.

“Receiving a national accreditation is a statement to the community that we are providing quality, evidence-based care,” said Pamela Stokes, UHS associate director of clinical operations. “Our team should be very proud of the work they do, and I am honored to receive such a long-standing and respected recognition.”

The AAAHC, founded in 1979, is an ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 6,100 organizations accredited. Its accreditation process leverages a set of nationally recognized standards, and organizations are evaluated using a peer-based, educational approach to on-site review. Accreditations last for three years.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tierra Eller | University Health Services | 405-744-1732 | tierra.eller@okstate.edu