American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Accreditation Program Audit Achievements
Mount Laurel, N.J. (PRWEB) September 08, 2016 -- The American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) is proud to announce two recent achievements for its accreditation program. ASHI is an international society of professionals dedicated to advancing the science, education and application of immunogenetics and transplant immunology.
ASHI’s accreditation program was audited by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in late 2015. CMS determined ASHI to be in compliance and reaccredited ASHI’s accreditation program for the maximum 6 years. In addition to this, ASHI achieved a zero disparity rating from CMS. As part of their quality process, CMS conducts validation inspections of ASHI laboratories to verify that ASHI’s findings are within CMS’ standards and regulations. For multiple years, including 2015, ASHI has had a zero percent disparity with CMS validation inspections.
“For ASHI to achieve the longest available period for CMS re-accreditation means that the audit team was confident in our program’s ability to ensure compliance with the CMS and ASHI standards for practice,” explains Myra Coppage, Program Director for the Accreditation Review Board. “In addition, CMS performs validation surveys of a proportionate sample of ASHI accredited labs. For this year, we again have a zero percent disparity rate.”
These accomplishments point towards a bright future for ASHI. “I have always been very grateful for our close working relationship with CMS and the other partner organizations,” says Melissa Weeks, ASHI’s Accreditation Manager. “Our high standards are acknowledged and appreciated by these groups, resulting in some of the best laboratories and inspectors in the world.”
None of these accolades would be possible without the dedication of ASHI volunteers. “When I think about ASHI’s ARB program I am reminded of Mickey Mouse in Disney’s cartoon, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” says Dr. Anat Tambur, ASHI President. “Our Accreditation Manager, Melissa Weeks, casts her magic, Program Director Myra Coppage waves her wand, and the rest of the ARB volunteers keep on working relentlessly to accomplish whatever impossible goal set out for them to do. The outcome of the hard work put forth by our volunteers speaks for itself, it is a huge accomplishment. The ASHI community, myself included, are indebted to our very committed volunteers as well as to our Maestro Sorcerer, Melissa! I am so proud to be part of this society that harbors such high work ethics and commitment to excellence, no matter what it takes.”
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About the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics:
The American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) is a not-for-profit association of clinical and research professionals including immunologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, transplant physicians and surgeons, pathologists and technologists. As a professional society involved in histocompatibility, immunogenetics and transplantation, ASHI is dedicated to advancing the science and application of histocompatibility and immunogenetics; providing a forum for the exchange of information; and advocating the highest standards of laboratory testing in the interest of optimal patient care.
Kattie Parsons, AH, http://www.ahredchair.com, +1 856-437-4748, [email protected]
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