PULLMAN, Wash. – Health and Wellness Services (HWS) at Washington State University has earned reaccreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). It is one of three accredited campus health care facilities in Washington.
“The accreditation report indicated the surveyors were impressed with the empathy shown for patients and the exceptionally well-trained staff,” said Bruce Wright, executive director of HWS. “In everything we do, the quality of care we provide to our patients is our first consideration.”
Accreditation distinguishes the HWS medical clinic from many other outpatient facilities by providing an independent, external process of evaluation to support the highest quality of care. Status as an accredited organization means HWS has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC.
“The accreditation process involves an extensive self-assessment by our clinic, as well as an on-site review completed by the survey team,” said Dennis Garcia, medical director of the HWS clinic.
Progress in service, standards
“Health care standards are dynamic and reflective of evolving change in medicine, health care and technology,” he said. “Having AAAHC as an independent organization examine our facility and procedures every three years helps ensure we’re progressing to meet those standards.”
Founded in 1903, HWS initially served as an infirmary. Since then, it has developed into an ambulatory health care clinic offering services similar to a family doctor’s office. It also houses a pharmacy and a behavioral health clinic.
HWS has nine physicians, four nurse practitioners and two psychiatrists along with nursing, clinical and health promotion staff.
About the AAAHC
The AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 5,000 organizations accredited nationwide. It accredits a variety of organizations, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, student health centers, military health care clinics and large medical and dental practices. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.