University Health Service recently received re-accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. (AAAHC).

According to the AAAHC Web site, accreditation is a voluntary process in which an ambulatory health care organization is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by AAAHC’s expert surveyors who are practicing health care professionals.

Director of Health Services Dr. Linda Hermann said the accreditation process was “very, very thorough, and it speaks well for Health Services, as well as the university.”

Hermann said that the use of an external, neutral agency such as the AAAHC gives validity to the care that Health Services provides.

“Instead of just saying that we provide great services, accreditation validates our word,” Hermann said. “The process lets students and parents of students know that the services we provide are excellent.”

Hermann said the accreditation process consisted of a day-and-a-half examination by an AAAHC site surveyor. The AAAHC interviewed Health Services staff and looked over the Health Services book of procedures.

The standards have been developed during a period of more than 20 years by individuals presenting the highest levels of achievement in clinical practice and health care management.

“We are pleased and proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation,” Hermann said. “Accreditation assures that the UHS is continuing to fulfill our long-standing commitment to providing the highest-possible levels of quality care to the NIU community.”

The AAAHC Web site, www.AAAHC.org, contributed to this story.