The Association of Health Facility Survey Agencies (AHFSA) was established in 1968 as a not-for-profit organization to provide a forum for health care regulatory agency directors and managers to address common interests, concerns, and health care program issues. Today, AHFSA actively participates with CMS, providers, and advocacy groups in planning, implementing, and assessing the quality and effectiveness of health care programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Promoting Quality Health Care Services
AHFSA member agencies are responsible for improving the quality of services provided by health care facilities, agencies, and programs by ensuring that they meet established standards. Member agencies promote practices to improve the quality of care and quality of life by providing training and educational programs to providers and consumers of health care services. The members of AHFSA are the quality assurance arm of the Medicare-Medicaid and state regulatory programs.
Protective Oversight
Members of AHFSA also investigate complaints of abuse and/or neglect of individuals and poor care or inadequate practices by health care providers. Providers and/or individuals face criminal prosecution, administrative sanctions, and fines for abusing, neglecting, or harming the health, safety, or welfare of individuals under their care.
Enforcement
AHFSA members conduct periodic, on-site, comprehensive inspections of health care institutions and programs to determine compliance with federal and state requirements. Failure to comply with applicable requirements may result in the imposition of a variety of remedial actions.
