Benchmarking Quality, Safety, and Professional Excellence

Core Accreditation Standards
 
1. Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Accredited entities must:

• Be legally registered and authorized to operate in their jurisdiction

• Comply with applicable local, national, and healthcare regulations

• Maintain required licenses, permits, and approvals

 
ACAMS accreditation does not replace statutory or regulatory requirements.
 
2. Governance & Management
Institutions must demonstrate:

• Clear organizational structure and leadership

• Defined roles and responsibilities

• Ethical governance and accountability mechanisms

• Policies for quality assurance and risk management
   

3. Clinical Governance & Patient Safety
(Applicable to Clinics & Hospitals)
Standards include:

• Patient safety protocols and infection control

• Clinical policies and standard operating procedures

• Incident reporting and risk mitigation systems

• Ethical patient care practices
   

4. Education & Training Quality
(Applicable to Academies & Training Institutions)
Institutions must show:

• Structured and transparent curriculum

• Clearly defined learning objectives and outcomes

• Appropriate assessment and evaluation methods

• Ethical and evidence-based teaching practices
   

5. Faculty, Trainers & Medical Team
Accredited entities must ensure:

• Qualified, experienced, and competent faculty or practitioners

• Verification of credentials and professional background

• Ongoing professional development for teaching and clinical staff
   

6. Infrastructure & Facilities
Institutions must maintain:

• Adequate clinical or training infrastructure

• Appropriate equipment and technology

• Safe, hygienic, and functional facilities

• Compliance with safety and operational standards
   

7. Ethical Practice & Professional Conduct
Applicants must adhere to:

• ACAMS Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct

• Transparency in communication and marketing

• Responsible representation of services and credentials
   

8. Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
Institutions must demonstrate:

• Internal quality monitoring systems

• Feedback and evaluation mechanisms

• Commitment to ongoing improvement and compliance
   

9. Documentation & Record Management
Accredited entities must:

• Maintain accurate and verifiable records

• Ensure confidentiality and data protection

• Support audit and review processes when required
   

10. Transparency & Public Information
Institutions must:

• Provide accurate public information

• Avoid misleading claims regarding accreditation

• Clearly communicate the scope and limitations of ACAMS recognition
   

Evaluation & Compliance

• Accreditation is granted based on evidence-based evaluation

• Compliance is assessed through documentation review and quality evaluation

• Accreditation is valid for a defined period and subject to renewal
   

Important Clarifications
ACAMS accreditation:

• Is voluntary and non-governmental

• Does not confer legal authority or licensing

• Does not guarantee outcomes or patient results

• Must be represented accurately and ethically