Some agencies prefer to hire an outside consultant to assist with the preparation of accreditation materials. Others use peer reviewers from similarly configured accredited agencies to conduct a practice review. One of the best ways to learn about the process and how to begin, is to attend one of the…
Archives: FAQs
There is no definable time frame for an agency to compile its accreditation materials. Some agencies have been able to complete everything for submission in about six months. Others have taken much longer. On average, it takes about one year to prepare all the paperwork, institute policies, and provide proof…
How long does it take to complete an application?
The CAAS Standards Guide is an excellent resource for learning about the CAAS standards. However, please note that the CAAS Application Package provides all the documents necessary for applying for accreditation, including a copy of the CAAS Standards Guide. All CAAS products are available at the CAAS Online Store.
How can we purchase the CAAS Standards or Application?
The process begins with a serious self-assessment of an EMS agency, comparing its operations to the accreditation standards. The agency then purchases an application package that guides them through the process of developing supporting documentation. The documentation is submitted to CAAS for an off-site review to determine the level of…
What’s involved in the CAAS Accreditation?
Five Steps to Accreditation Step 1: SELF ASSESSMENT You should familiarize yourself with the Commission’s Standards for the Accreditation of Ambulance Services. Then compare your service’s current operation to the Commission’s standards and implement any necessary changes. Step 2: APPLICATION When you feel that your service meets or exceeds the…
What are the specific steps our agency has to follow ...
The accredited agency must be able to clearly delineate its ownership and organizational structure, show that it maintains all required licenses and contracts to do business, demonstrate its strategic planning and budgeting processes, provide evidence of legal review of its policy/procedure manuals, show how it educates its managers and supervisors…
How does accreditation improve efficiency?
Efficient call taking, effective resource deployment, and continuous communications capabilities are required to operate an effective EMS agency. The CAAS-accredited agency must have policies developed and reviewed with input from the Medical Director. Policies include exacting call-taking standards which document time events from time of request through the time the…
How does accreditation address communications?
The accredited agency must prove that its vehicles meet all required federal, state, and/or local specifications and that the vehicles are cleaned and maintained to strict standards. The agency must have a preventive maintenance program, with records of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, for both the vehicles and the durable…
How does accreditation affect the agency’s equipment and facilities?
Comprehensive safety standards are required of accredited agencies, shielding patients, the employees, and the agency itself from unnecessary risk. There must be evidence of driving standards, a driver training program, proper use of safety restraints for patients and crews, and strict written policies to follow in case of vehicle crashes…
Do accredited agencies operate more safely?
An accredited agency is committed to partnering with communities and health care systems to provide accident prevention and safety education programs. Agency staff participates in public education and safety events. From exacting listings in telephone directories to written policies for handling complaints, donations, and media inquiries, the accredited agency must…