Every three years, the Tribal Health Department is surveyed by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, otherwise known as the Triple AHC or simply AAAHC. This was the year for the Tribal Health Department to be surveyed; and from Thursday, March 23 — Friday, March 24, the Tribal Health Department participated in an intense survey conducted by AAAHC. o
Over the course of a day and a half the surveyors reviewed the Southern Ute Health Center, the Behavioral Health Department and the Dental Department. The surveyors utilize a peer-based review and evaluation program to match those standards against the Health Department’s policies and procedures to determine whether it is meeting or exceeding those standards.
On Monday, April 3, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe received notice that the Tribal Health Department had been re-accredited.
“We are proud to say the Tribal Health Department was determined to be in substantial compliance with AAAHC Standards and was recommended for accreditation. This is significant for the community as it says that your Health Department is equal to or better than private sector organizations,” Tribal Health Department Director, David Tonemah emphasized.
“I am so proud of the Health Department staff, they rallied together and stepped up and got us ready for the survey,” Tonemah said. “This accomplishment speaks volumes about the quality of the staff and the quality of services provided by the Health Department. The Surveyors were extremely complimentary of the Medical Staff, the Dental Department, the Behavioral Health Department and our Privileging and Credentialing process.”
“The Health Department will not rest on its laurels, preparation for accreditation is an ongoing practice, “Tonemah said. “The staff of the Health Department are committed to providing the highest level of care to the patients we serve. We encourage you to give us a try if you haven’t. And for those of you that have, keep coming.”
Congratulations to the Health Department on achieving this major accomplishment.