There’s a New Game in Town

A new accreditation organization is seeking deemed status from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS); National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (NIAHO) offered by DNV Healthcare, Inc., Cincinnati, OH.  This program integrates ISO 9001 Quality Management System required with the Medicare Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.  Although not yet recognized by CMS, DNV is rolling out the program as an alternative to The Joint Commission accreditation program.

I’ve received a copy of NIAHO Interpretive Guidelines and Surveyor Guidance as well as NIAHO Accreditation Program, Accreditation Process.  A statement on the web site states:  DNV HealthCare Inc. has identified that in order to truly improve healthcare, hospitals need to implement a program that adheres to the international ISO 9001 Management System standard.

In an upcoming posting, I will highlight the comparison with The Joint Commission standards.

Carole  La Pine, MSA, CPMSM, CPCS