What's involved

As you approach the end of your accreditation cycle, you will be invited by the accrediting agency you are registered with to maintain your accreditation status and register for a subsequent round of accreditation.

You will generally hold your accredited status for two (2) years from the date you’re awarded accreditation, and three (3) years for reaccreditation. If you plan on undertaking reaccreditation and the vast majority of practices do, you will need to start preparing for that six (6) to nine (9) months ahead of the expiration of your accredited status.

Once you’re ready to register for reaccreditation, it is important you know your current cycle and register accordingly. The accrediting agency you completed the last cycle with will be able to give you that information. Alternatively give your local branch a call and they will be able to help you work out what stage you’re at.

The evidence requirements are the same for all cycles of accreditation and reaccreditation and are outlined in the Practice Accreditation Resources List each item linking to the relevant ADA template or resource required to meet actions in the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards (NSQPCH Standards).

Please note the ADA templates and resources have recently undergone a major update to ensure they meet the NSQPCH Standards, so if you have used the ADA templates for introductory accreditation or reaccreditation to the NSQHS V1 Standards in the past, it is important that you download the full updated version of the ADA resources and templates. It is also recommended that you start a fresh with customising the templates as there have been many changes made to ensure the ADA templates meet the new NSQPCH Standards, and we wouldn’t want your policies to be lacking any essential content.

The process

You have a range of options when it comes to the type of assessment method you undergo and the subsequent length of accreditation this gives you.

Every practice must undergo a desktop audit and you can choose to exercise this option only for the first 2 cycles (4 years). If you select virtual or onsite assessments, they will take place once the desktop assessment has been completed.

If you have any questions about the reaccreditation process, you can contact your ADA State Branch for advice and support.

If you chose not to continue with accreditation, once your accreditation expires you will need to remove the certificate and marketing decals provided to you to advertise your status.