SLEEP DISORDERS CLINIC OF DALLAS
ACCREDITED SLEEP CENTER
American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Rajiv Joseph, MD, PhD.
Diplomate, American Board of Sleep Medicine

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?

* Accreditation is the process a Sleep Disorders Center must voluntarily undergo to demonstrate that it has met all requirements that are developed by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

* AASM accreditation standards are developed by Diplomates of the American Board of Sleep Medicine.

* A Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine in the Medical Director

* When a sleep facility is accredited by the AASM, it must continually maintain performance that meets or exceeds accreditation standards.

* The Accredited Sleep Center is among a minority of sleep programs in the nation that comply with the high standards of care required by the AASM.

CENTER or LAB: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

* SLEEP CENTER: Provides comprehensive evaluations and treatment of ALL sleep disorders, including, Sleep Apnea, other breathing disorders, Periodic Leg Movements, Narcolepsy, Insomnia, Parasomnia and Epilepsy

* SLEEP LAB: Evaluations are limited to only breathing disorders.

HOW IS ACCREDITATION GRANTED?

* Center must establish compliance with the AASM-Standards for Accreditation.

* AASM-accreditation takes a full year to complete.

* The accreditation process consists of the following five steps:

1. Submission of a detailed Application including quality assurance data
2. AASM-Board of Directors decide whether the application qualifies for a Site-Visit, or rejection
3. Site-Visit conducted by AASM-faculty over a two day/night period
4. Site-Visit report reviewed by AASM-Board of Director
5. AASM-Board of Directors recommend to grant accreditation, or not

* Maintaining accredited status requires regular review by the AASM.

* The Accreditation Standards are continually revised and updated in order to ensure the highest quality of patient care in sleep facilities.

WHY COME TO AN ACCREDITED SLEEP CENTER?

* The confidence that the highest quality of care is being demonstrated and the most skilled physicians are caring for patients.

* A clean, comfortable environment where patient dignity and safety are upheld

* The Center adheres to strict evidence based practice parameters.

* The assurance of a knowledgeable and trained staff.

* A Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine reviews all sleep studies

* A quality assurance plan is in place for all aspects of the sleep program.

* The staff continually update their knowledge of sleep medicine by taking part in professional activities which allow them to earn Continuing Medical Education credits.

* The facility has relationships with hospitals and appropriate clinical specialties

* The staff educates and informs the local community about sleep disorders

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE (AASM)

* The AASM is a professional medical association representing practitioners of sleep medicine and sleep research.

* AASM is the major accrediting body for sleep disorders centers.

* The AASM is dedicated to the assurance of quality care for patients with sleep disorders, advancement of sleep research, and public and professional education.

* A major function of the AASM is to evaluate sleep centers and labs for accreditation.