October 2007 - A New York State law signed by Governor Spitzer in mid July requires new important
patient safety standards for doctors who perform surgery in their offices. According to the new law,
doctors who perform operations and procedures requiring anesthesia or sedation in their offices,
must have their offices accredited by a “nationally recognized accrediting agency.” This will hold
office based surgery to the same standards as hospital based surgery.

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities currently accredits more
surgery facilities (130 and growing) in New York than any other accrediting agency. Until now,
those facilities prepared for inspection and accreditatton on a voluntary basis.

“Each year, more and more procedures are being performed in ambulatory facilities,” says Alan
Gold, M.D., president of AAAASF who practices in Great Neck, NY. “We have already seen an
increase in literature requests from conscientous New York physicians wanting to get a jump on
the requirement. We are prepared to help them in any way to make the process as painless as
possible,” he adds.

“The law is a step in the right direction and hopefully physicians will see the educational merits
gained by the peer-driven accreditation process developed by AAAASF. Our program will help
distinguish the high echelon performers from the rest of the field,” says Dr. Gold.
Many physicians are worried that the accreditation process will be too cumbersome and
overwhelming. AAAASF prides itself it’s user-friendly process and publishes all the fees required,
so there are no hidden fees. “Hundreds of facilities of all types and sizes complete the process
annually and many share their experience via our newsletter,” Dr. Gold says.

AAAASF has set up a Toll Free Hotline to assist physicians. Call 888-545-5222 and ask to speak
to an Accreditation Specialists.

For accreditation fees and additional information, visit www.aaaasf.org

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