University Health Services Accreditation

Penn State University Health Services is a fully accredited ambulatory health care center that achieved full re-accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) in 2021.

The Accreditation Process

The AAAHC accreditation decision is based on a careful and reasonable assessment of an organization's compliance with applicable standards and adherence to AAAHC policies and procedures. AAAHC selects and trains health care practitioners and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care setting to conduct accreditation surveys. Compliance with standards is assessed through documented evidence, answers to detailed questions concerning implementation and on-site observations, and interviews by surveyors.

Quality Improvement

University Health Services maintains an active, organized, peer-based program that assures quality services to its clients. The Quality Improvement Program at University Health Services enhances the quality of patient care and educational services through ongoing systematic monitoring and evaluation of important aspects care, and resolution of identified problems that impact patient care.

The program is overseen by the Quality Improvement Committee, an interdepartmental group of representatives from all areas within University Health Services.

Credentialing

A comprehensive process exists to ensure that credentialing of appropriate staff* is validated and a copy maintained on file. At the time of renewal of credentials, staff are required to present originals of renewed credentials to the Director or designee for review. All University Health Services physicians are board certified in a primary care specialty.

Peer Review

The objective of peer review is to create a positive learning experience between peers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and physical therapists) for the benefit of improving patient care.

Each semester, clinicians complete peer chart reviews in small groups. Participants review, discuss, and document each chart. In addition, professional staff have a regular peer review conference at which they discuss challenging and difficult cases.

Risk Management

The health service risk management program is designed to protect the life and welfare of University Health Services patients, employees and visitors. The program enhances the safety of the health service environment through an ongoing process designed to detect, evaluate, and to the greatest degree possible, reduce risk by eliminating problems that might result in harm to patients, staff, or visitors.

Patient Care

University Health Services assures that all health care providers, supporting health services staff, and student volunteers/students working in University Health Services, adhere to established ethical principles and codes of professional practice including patient confidentiality, privacy, dignity, and informed consent. As a patient of University Health Services, you also have certain Rights and Responsibilities. We encourage you to review these and to ask questions if you have any concerns.

* University Health Services Staff; Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Dietitians, Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Medical Technologists, X-Ray Technologists, Emergency Medical Technicians