Announcing the Release of CAAS Standards Version 3.0

Dear EMS Colleagues:

In the autumn of 2008 the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) began its third standards revision process. Twelve individuals from across the country volunteered their time and expertise to review the existing standards. Using input from EMS experts, CAAS accredited agencies and site reviewers, the standards review committee focused on the refinement of existing standards and on increasing safety and compliance requirements. These new CAAS standards, version 3.0, were recently ratified by the CAAS board of directors and will become effective January 1, 2010. All changes and revisions in this 3.0 version of the CAAS standards are indicated with a NEW or Rev. 10/2009 notice.

Over the next few weeks, all applicant and accredited agencies will receive a standards revision packet containing: copies of the new v3.0 standards, v3.0 application, v3.0 documentation checklist, updated instructions and the v3.0 reviewer’s appendix. Additionally there will be an Acknowledgement of Receipt form that must be signed and returned to CAAS headquarters.

In an effort to make the transition process as smooth as possible for our accredited and applicant agencies, the CAAS board of directors has approved a twelve month transition period. Agencies currently accredited or working on the accreditation process will have 12 months to submit on version 2.5 or transition to version 3.0. After December 31, 2010 CAAS will no longer except applications submitted on v2.5. A complete version of the transition plan will be included in the standards revision packet.

During 2010 CAAS will provide education and training to reviewers and agencies on the new v3.0 standards. Announcements for these training opportunities will be distributed by e-mail and posted on the CAAS website.

If you have any questions regarding the new standards or the transition schedule, please contact the CAAS staff at 847-657-6828.

Sincerely,

Sarah L. McEntee

Executive Director, CAAS