 The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF) was established in 1980 to ensure quality patient care in the ambulatory surgery setting. The AAASF and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) are the recognized certifying agencies that assure safety standards are upheld. Plastic Surgery Associates of Tulsa has been Accredited by the AAAASF since 1985. The AAAASF is the largest accrediting organization of its kind in the United States. To meet the AAASF criteria, we have met stringent national standards of equipment, operating safety, personnel and surgeon credentials. AAAASF accredited facilities have passed stringent inspections and peer review processes to assure the facilities comply with applicable laws and (OSHA) standards, utilize advanced instruments and monitoring devices, and allow surgery and anesthesia to be performed only by qualified providers who have the same privileges at JCAHO accredited hospitals. The surgeons must be accredited in their specialty by a Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Surgeons must also meet standards by undergoing peer review and continuing medical education. All of the personnel involved in patient care must also meet the same stringent criteria. The AAAASF is available for three classes of facilities. Class A facilities perform procedures under local or topical anesthesia. Class B facilities perform procedures under regional or intravenous anesthesia. Class C facilities may perform local, regional and general anesthesia. Plastic Surgery Associates of Tulsa has maintained an accredited Class C Facility since 1985. The vast majority of ambulatory surgery facilities are unaccredited, operating independently of any peer review or inspection process. Without peer review and inspection, there is no way a patient can be assured of the quality and safety of care they will receive when they are in surgery.
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