UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS HEALTH CENTER ACHIEVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. -- The University of Arkansas Health Center has been awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC), according to Mary Alice Serafini, Director, University Health Center. The award means that the University Health Center has met nationally recognized standards for quality health care set by the Chicago-based accrediting Organization. "We are pleased and proud to have achieved accreditation," Serafini said. "We think accreditation is very important and has helped us to improve the quality of care we provide. We feel that our patients are the ultimate benefactors from our participation in the accreditation program.

"While we are constantly evaluating and studying the quality of care that we provide through a process called Quality Performance Improvement, achieving accreditation means that we in fact meet national standards of care," explained Dr. Rick Belt, Chief of Medical Staff. "This assures our students and their parents as well as faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas that they are receiving competent and outstanding health care."

In order to achieve accreditation, the University Health Center underwent an extensive on-site survey of its facilities and services. The surveyor, a physician with the experiences of over 25 accreditation reviews of other health care facilities, evaluated all aspects of patient care. The survey findings resulted in a favorable decision.

Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation and not all that undergo an on-site survey receive favorable decisions. In a letter to the University Health Center, the AAAHC president said, "The dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial. The University Health Center is to be commended for this accomplishment."

The AAAHC conducts its accreditation program on a national basis and has accredited more than 800 ambulatory health care organizations including single and multi-specialty group practices, ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, college and university health services, health maintenance organizations and other managed care systems, dental group practices, community health centers, and occupational health centers.

The University Health Center has evolved over the last 105 years on the University of Arkansas campus from a small one room "sick bay infirmary" to an active medical clinic which provides medical care for students, faculty and staff. With six board-certified physicians in family practice, internal medicine, sports medicine, and gynecology as well as two licensed advance practice nurse practitioners, the Health Center offers general medical care, urgent care, and women's health care. In addition, the University Health Center provides Counseling and Psychological Services with a staff of seven licensed mental health clinicians. The Department of Health Promotion and Education with a staff of three health educators is also an important part of the University Health Center. The University Health Center is a part of the Division of Student Affairs.