American College of Hyperbaric Medicine: Safety Accreditation Program Launch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: American College of Hyperbaric Medicine Website: ACHM.org
American College of Hyperbaric Medicine Launches Groundbreaking Safety CAQ Accreditation Program
*New Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Safety Sets Industry Standard for Hyperbaric Facility Excellence*
The American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM) is proud to announce the official launch of the ACHM Safety Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) Program, a comprehensive accreditation initiative designed to establish the highest standards for operational safety in clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities across the nation and globally. The ACHM in collaboration with the American Professional Wound Care Association recommend that all wound care centers offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy demonstrate that they are in compliance with the highest industry safety standards, and distinguish themselves with ACHM Safety CAQ accreditation.
The Safety CAQ Program represents a landmark achievement in hyperbaric medicine, providing facilities with a rigorous framework to demonstrate their commitment to patient safety, staff protection, and operational excellence. Developed by the ACHM Safety CAQ Committee, this program is built upon the foundation of the newly released ACHM Safety Consensus Document for Safe Operations in Clinical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
This program offers facilities a program that ensures that hyperbaric facilities are delivering therapy at the highest level of operational safety — "I strongly endorse the ACHM Safety CAQ" said Tom Fox, CHT, Chairman of the ACHM Safety CAQ Committee.
Program Benefits for Facilities
The ACHM Safety CAQ Program provides participating facilities with comprehensive guidelines and standards that address every aspect of hyperbaric operations, including staffing requirements, equipment standards, therapeutic gas supply quality, risk management protocols, and emergency procedures. Facilities achieving Safety CAQ accreditation demonstrate their commitment to:
- Safeguarding patients, practitioners, and staff through adherence to established medical standards and regulatory requirements - Implementing robust organizational structures with clearly defined roles and responsibilities - maintaining comprehensive staff education and training programs establishing well-defined emergency procedures vital for mitigating risks inherent to hyperbaric environments - fostering a culture of safety that promotes accountability and continuous improvement.
The ACHM has always advocated for excellence in hyperbaric medicine. Safety is critical to achieving optimal outcomes. "I invite all hyperbaric facilities to attain ACHM Safety CAQ accreditation" stated Tyler Sexton, MD, President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.
Applications Now Being Accepted
The ACHM is now accepting applications for the Safety CAQ Program. The first two facilities have already scheduled their site visits: Summit Hyperbaric in Boise, Idaho and Brevard Regional Hyperbaric Center in Melbourne, Florida. These pioneering facilities will be among the first to demonstrate their commitment to the highest safety standards in hyperbaric medicine.
About the Safety Consensus Document
The ACHM Safety Consensus Document for Safe Operations in Clinical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy serves as a crucial framework aimed at safeguarding patients and practitioners engaged in hyperbaric treatments worldwide. The document establishes consensus standards and practices essential for ensuring safety in clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy, unifying diverse practices into a coherent structure that outlines recommended procedures, operational protocols, and safety measures.
The document addresses critical areas including hyperbaric staffing roles and responsibilities, education and training requirements, equipment standards, therapeutic gas supply quality, comprehensive risk management, and detailed policies and procedures for both standard and emergency operations.
Eligibility
The Safety CAQ Program is available to hyperbaric facilities utilizing monoplace or multiplace chambers meeting ASME PVHO-1 and NFPA 99 standards, capable of delivering up to 3 ATA with near-100% oxygen. Hospital-based, office-based, and free-standing hyperbaric facilities are eligible to apply.
About the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine
The American College of Hyperbaric Medicine is dedicated to advancing the practice of hyperbaric medicine through education, research, and advocacy. The ACHM promotes excellence in patient care and safety while working to expand access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients who can benefit from this vital medical intervention.
For more information about the ACHM Safety CAQ Program, visit ACHM.org
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