Center Accreditation Process

AASM Accreditation of Sleep Disorders Centers is granted to sleep disorders centers that illustrate compliance with all of the AASM Standards for Accreditation of Sleep Disorders Centers. This process includes completion of an accreditation application and supporting documentation, a site visit and reaccreditation. The entire process of earning accreditation can take about six to nine months to complete.

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Application

Centers seeking AASM accreditation must complete an online application that includes a self-assessment checklist to indicate general compliance with all of the AASM Standards for Accreditation of Sleep Disorders Centers. It also requires submission of supporting documentation including a copy of the medical directors's current license, center policies and procedures and quarterly quality assurance reports.

Review and Site Visit

Completed applications are sent to the AASM National Office for review. If the application indicates substantial compliance with the current Standards, the center will be approved for a site visit; in some cases, additional information may be requested prior to site visit scheduling. All site visitors are board-certified sleep specialists and are current or previous medical directors of AASM accredited centers.

Approval and Reaccreditation

Following the site visit, the site visitor submits a report of compliance and non-compliance with the Standards. The AASM Board of Directors is responsible for granting accreditation based on the recommendation of this site visitor and the Accreditation Committee. Accreditation is granted from the date of board approval. To maintain accredited status, centers must apply for reaccreditation as published on the AASM website.

Steps to Accreditation

1. A facility completes the Online Application for Accreditation including the Business Associate Agreement.
2. The facility submits the application to the AASM national office with the appropriate accreditation fee.
3. The AASM national office reviews the application and notifies the facility that a site visit has been either accepted or denied.
4. If accepted, the facility’s status becomes site visit eligible.
5. If denied, the AASM notifies the facility of the missing requirements for acceptance. Once the AASM receives and accepts the necessary clarifications or corrections, the facility’s status becomes site visit eligible. If the facility fails to meet the requirements for acceptance, then the accreditation process ceases and the application is rejected. The facility will need to reapply later.
6. The AASM coordinates a site visit once it determines that a facility is site visit eligible.
7. A site visitor prepares a detailed report from the visit and submits it to the AASM. One of these recommendations is then made to the AASM board of directors:
   • Full accreditation
   • Accreditation with provisos
   • Accreditation denied
8. The board of directors makes the final decision to grant or deny accreditation. The facility receives a copy of both the decision and the site visit report.
9. If granted full accreditation, the facility receives a letter and certificate from the AASM national office. The facility’s accreditation is valid for five years from the date of Board of Directors approval. The facility also is invited to become a center member of the AASM.
10. If granted accreditation with provisos, the facility receives a letter that describes certain stipulations that must be met by a specified deadline in order to retain accreditation.
11. If the facility has not met these provisos three months from the date on the letter, then the review process is terminated and accreditation is withdrawn.

In the event accreditation is denied or revoked, a facility may file an appeal.

AASM Accredited Center Membership

Once a center is accredited, it has the opportunity to become a center member of the AASM. Membership includes a variety of promotional and practice management benefits including use of the AASM Accredited Member logo, discounts and significantly reduced reaccreditation fees.

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Contact the AASM national office for more information about the accreditation process.