1. Overall Benefits

• Enhanced patient safety and quality of care

• Improved risk management and reduction of medical errors

• Increased organizational efficiency and effectiveness

• Strengthened community confidence in care quality

• Potential for improved reimbursement rates from insurance providers

• Eligibility for participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs

2. Accreditation Scope & Inception

• Accredits: Hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, behavioral health organizations, home care organizations, nursing homes, laboratories, and other healthcare providers

• Date of Inception: 1951 (originally established as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals)

3. Number of Accredited Organizations

Approximately 22,000 healthcare organizations and programs across the United States

4. Preparation Period

Typically 12-18 months, though this varies based on the organization's size, complexity, and current level of compliance with standards

5. Programs Under Accreditation

• Hospital Accreditation Program

• Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation

• Behavioral Health Care Accreditation

• Home Care Accreditation

• Nursing Care Center Accreditation

• Laboratory Services Accreditation

• Critical Access Hospital Accreditation

• Disease-Specific Care Certification

• Health Care Staffing Services Certification

• Primary Care Medical Home Certification

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) offers the FACHE® credential, which stands for Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This is their primary and most prestigious credential, representing board certification in healthcare management.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the credentials?

To be eligible for the FACHE credential, candidates must meet several requirements:

• Membership: Be a current ACHE Member with at least one year of tenure. Student Associate membership does not count toward this requirement.

• Advanced Degree: Hold a master's degree or other post-baccalaureate degree.

• Professional Experience: Currently hold an executive-level healthcare management position with a minimum of five years of healthcare management experience.

• References: Submit two references - one structured interview with a current Fellow and one written reference from either another Fellow or a senior leader in your organization.

• Continuing Education: Complete 36 hours of healthcare-related continuing education within the three years prior to applying.

• Volunteer Activities: Complete four volunteer activities within three years prior to application - two community/civic and two healthcare-related activities.

• Application and Fees: Submit an application with a $250 non-refundable application fee. After approval, candidates must pass the Board of Governors Examination, which costs an additional $200.

3. In brief, what other value does the certification/credential offer?

The FACHE credential provides significant value by signaling professional accomplishment and expertise in healthcare management. It offers networking opportunities through 76 ACHE chapters across the country, allowing holders to make meaningful connections with like-minded leaders in their area.

FACHE credential holders gain access to exclusive career resources including job listings, career planning tools, resume reviews, and connections with executive coaches and search firms. They also receive professional publications with best practices and insights from leaders solving current healthcare challenges.

4. Why are they so important to the hospital organization and or practice?

For healthcare organizations, the FACHE credential ensures that their leaders "have a baseline of knowledge and can take a global view of the healthcare market when making important business decisions." As the healthcare landscape continues to change, it demands superior healthcare administrators who can lead effectively.

With 25% of ACHE's 51,000 members having earned the FACHE credential, it represents the gold standard in healthcare management board certification, signaling high competency, commitment, and service to the profession. When healthcare leaders excel through such credentials, "healthcare as a whole excels too," benefiting both patients and communities.

5. What are some slight differences, if any, between the credentials listed?

The ACHE primarily offers just one credential - the FACHE designation. However, there are different membership levels within ACHE that serve as stepping stones toward the FACHE credential:

• Member: The basic professional membership level that's required before applying for Fellow status.

• Faculty Associate and International Associate: These members must convert to Member status before they can apply for the FACHE credential.

• Student Associate: This is an entry-level membership for students, but tenure in this category does not count toward the one-year requirement to become a Fellow.

The FACHE credential itself is singular, representing board certification in healthcare management