Accreditation Option for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Distinct Part Units

CMS has approved the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for recognition as a national accreditation program for CAHs. This recognition includes CAH distinct part units. The final notice of approval for AOA's deeming authority was published in the Federal Register November 23, 2007 (72 FR 65738) and was effective December 28, 2007. CAH distinct part units will now have a deemed accreditation option. States may continue to treat CAH distinct part surveys as a Tier 3 priority.