SANTA YNEZ TRIBAL HEALTH CLINIC EARNS AAAHC ACCREDITATION RENEWAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Veronica Sandoval
vsandoval@sychumashfoundation.org
SANTA YNEZ, CA – November 15, 2019 – Following a stringent review of its care and services, the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic’s national accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) has been renewed for another three-year period.
AAAHC accreditation means that the accredited organization participates in ongoing self-evaluation, peer review and education to continuously improve its care and services. It also requires that the organization commit to a thorough, on-site survey by AAAHC surveyors, who are themselves health care professionals, at least every three years.
Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic is the only primary care facility in Santa Barbara County to attain AAAHC accreditation.
“The renewal of our accreditation is a testament to our staff’s dedication to maintaining the high standards our patients have come to expect when they visit our clinic,” said Ron Sisson, Executive Director for the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic. “This accreditation represents the gold standard in the health care industry, and it demonstrates to our patients that the organization has ‘passed the test’ and is committed to providing high quality care.”
The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic has more than 4,500 active patients, receives around 18,000 visits each year and employs 64 team members.
“Since first receiving this national distinction in 2013, having our Tribal Health Clinic certified by the industry leader in health care accreditation has been a source of pride for our tribe,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our clinic is an excellent resource for the entire community, and we’re honored to have its accreditation renewed once again.”
Founded in 1979, AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 6,100 organizations accredited. It accredits a wide range of outpatient settings including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, employer-based health clinics, retail clinics and Indian/Tribal health centers, among others.
AAAHC advocates for the provision of high quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally recognized Standards. The AAAHC Certificate of Accreditation demonstrates an organization’s commitment to provide safe, high quality services to its patients. It is recognized by third party payers, medical professional associations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies, and the public.
The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic is located on the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ reservation at 90 Via Juana Lane in Santa Ynez. The staff specializes in the highest standards of quality health care through modern medicine and cultural tradition.
The clinic’s comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health services are available to all members of the community, not only for Native Americans.
For more information, log on to www.sythc.org.