As part of Assessor Training Day, Accreditation Program Committee Chair Kathleen Sazama, MD, JD, prepared a “report card” for 2008. Because she remained in Houston during this Annual Meeting, however, AABB Director of Accreditation and Quality Holly Rapp, MT(ASCP)SBB, CQA(ASQ)CQM/OE, made the presentation.

Rapp opened the summary of the year’s activities by noting that the program—originally established as the Inspection and Accreditation Program—celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. After thanking the assessors and accreditation staff at the National Office for their expertise and jobs well done, Rapp shared interesting data on the program.

·          Volunteer hours in FY2008 totaled more than 25,000 hours.

·          The record for assessor experience (44 years) is currently held by Dr. Eugene Bentley from Newtown Square, Pa.

·          More than 900 assessors are based in the United States, while another 46 conduct assessments in 20 countries worldwide.

·          In 2008, all assessments were conducted on time except for two—both related to adverse weather conditions.

Rapp then turned her attention to accreditation program ratings. Overall, she said, the program has received highly favorable responses on the post-assessment questionnaire (PAQ) over the last few assessment quarters. Positive PAQ comments typically reported that the assessment process enhanced the quality of the facility’s operation, fostered a good exchange of information and was conducted in a very professional manner.

Other PAQ responses revealed areas for possible improvement. For example, at least one facility did not realize that assessment tools are available for use in preparing for the assessors’ visit  (“Members Area > Accreditation > Facilities > Assessment  Tools”). Another facility would like to see a better balance between review of the quality plan and technical activities. Rapp also noted that three facilities were reassessed in 2008, after difficulties were encountered in the initial assessment. She reported that all three did receive accreditation after the reassessment.

Looking forward, Rapp indicated that 2009 will likely see continued progress on three initiatives that began in 2008.

·          With renewed approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, AABB will maintain CLIA-deemed status for accreditation of facilities in compliance with the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services and Standards for Immunohematology Reference Laboratories.

·          New computer software implemented recently at the AABB National Office should streamline many program details.

·          AABB continues to pursue accreditation of the program by the International Society for Quality in Health Care.

She also identified new editions of standards that are due for revision and gave the expected effective dates. In closing, she declared that the AABB Accreditation Program continues to provide the model for the assessment of transfusion and cellular therapies worldwide.