New AAAHC standards hold patients accountable

Scores of revised standards for organizations accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) took effect in March, including one that calls on patients to bear some responsibility for their own care.

Nearly every chapter of the 2008 AAAHC handbook contains revisions-some intended to keep pace with technological changes, others meant to clarify existing standards. The first significant change is in Chapter 1. Previously called "Patient Rights," the chapter is now "Patient Rights and Responsibilities." It states that patients are required to give their providers a comprehensive list of their medications, including herbal supplements, and asks patients to respect staff members.