Philadelphia VAMC has received a number of accreditations and awards. Some of our recent notable accomplishments include:

Philadelphia VA Medical Center was surveyed by Joint Commission in October 2005 in an unannounced triennial visit and received full accreditation.  Over a five-day period our Medical Center, Nursing Home Care Unit, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics were reviewed under the Hospital, Long Term Care, and Home Care Joint Commission Standards. Our Opioid Treatment Program was reviewed utilizing Joint Commission Behavioral Health Program standards and received full accreditation in September 2005. Respectively, our Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) received full accreditation under the Joint Commission Behavioral Health Program standards in November 2006.  Philadelphia's Periodic Performance Review (PPR) is due to the Joint Commission for the Opioid Treatment Program on September 21st, 2007.  The Hospital, Long Term Care, Home Care and MHICM programs' Periodic Performance Reviews are due October 21st, 2007.

Our Lab and Blood Bank acquired CAP accreditation in January 2007. The CAP program is the most respected and recognized laboratory accreditation program in the world and is considered the "gold standard" against which others are measured. In addition, Philadelphia's AABB Department successfully completed an on-site inspection in January 07. Philadelphia VAMC obtained CARF Rehabilitation Service Accreditation in August 2005. CARF surveys are also triennial.

The Research Department obtained NCQA in May 2005 for a three-year accreditation. The Animal Accreditation Program was accredited in September 29, 2005.  The Sleep Program received accreditation in March 2004 for a period of five years. 

The Radiation Safety Program is not accredited. The Medical Center has a permit to use radioactive materials through the VA's Master Materials License from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This Permit requires a radiation safety program. The Mammography Program is accredited by the American College of Radiology and is regulated by the FDA. Our Mammography Certification (accreditation) was renewed on September 13, 2006 and will expire on September 13, 2009.

VA Central Office started the application process in 2006 for accreditation by the American College of Radiation Oncology for all VA Radiation Therapy Services. This process is still on-going; Philadelphia VAMC has not received accreditation to date.

Last Combined Assessment Program Review by OIG was March 23, 2005. Philadelphia most last visited by the OIG in September, 2007. Philadelphia also received a SOARS and MAAP visit in 2006.

Philadelphia VAMC has the following accreditations:

• Joint Commission Accreditation for:
  • HAP- Surveyed 10/17/05- 10/21/05.  Accredited 2005-2008.  PPR completed 10/21/08
  • LTC- Surveyed 10/17/05- 10/21/05.  Accredited 2005-2008.  PPR completed 10/21/07
  • Home Care- Surveyed 10/17/05- 10/21/05.  Accredited 2005-2008.  PPR completed 10/21/07
  • Opioid Program -One day unannounced survey completed 9/27/07, One RFI was received.  Corrective action has been accepted by Joint Commission and monthly monitoring is being done to ensure compliance. Accredited 2005-2008. PPR completed 9/21/07.
  • MHICM Program (Behavioral Health) - Survey completed 11/14/06.  Accredited 11/15/06 (Valid for up to 39 months). PPR completed 10/21/07.
• CAP accreditation for Lab and Blood Bank - Completed 1/11/07.
• CARF Rehabilitation Service- Surveyed 8/15-8/16/2005.  Accredited August 2005-August 2008. CARF Accreditation to be surveyed in 2008.
• Research Accreditation: NCQA was in May 2005 for a 3 year accreditation. May 2005- May 2008.
• Research Accreditation: AAHRPP Accreditation application due: 11/30/07. Note:  Association and Accreditation on Human Protection Program (AAHRPP)  will visit February 1-12th, 2008
• Animal Accreditation- September 29, 2005   September 2005-September 2008.  
• Sleep Program is accredited - March 25, 2004 for a period of 5 years March 2004- March 2009.
• The Radiation Safety Program a permit to use radioactive materials through the VA's Master Materials License from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Radiology: The Mammography Program is accredited by the American College of Radiology and is regulated by the FDA. Our Mammography Certification (accreditation) was renewed on September 13, 2006 and will expire on September 13, 2009.
• Radiation Oncology by American College of Radiation Oncology August 2007- August 2010.