Sterile Processing Accreditation Surveys: Risk Reduction and Process Improvement.

Accreditation surveys protect patients and personnel by monitoring health care facility compliance with rules, regulations, and best practices. Accreditation, or the lack of it, can affect a facility's ability to be reimbursed. The ability of personnel to follow best practices and adhere to regulatory requirements in the surgical processing department and the OR has a critical effect on reducing or eliminating health care-associated infections, including surgical site infections. This article discusses preparing for an accreditation survey, being ready to demonstrate compliance when surveyed, and how accreditation surveys help reduce risk for patients and personnel, promote best practices, and improve patient care.