The AACVPR Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certification process is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies.
Benefits of AACVPR Program Certification
- AACVPR certification demonstrates that your program is aligned with current guidelines as approved by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for the appropriate and effective early outpatient care of patients with cardiac or pulmonary issues.
- Physicians can refer patients to your certified program with confidence, knowing that you can be an extension of their care to the patient.
- Hospital administrators embrace program certification as a vehicle to demonstrate excellence for state department of health or TJC surveyors.
- Insurance companies recognize that performance measures in patient care are part of the essential standards required for AACVPR certification.
- Certification offers peace of mind to knowledgeable healthcare consumers. Certification can also help patients decide between your program and an uncertified program in the area.
- Patients and family members can feel confident in knowing that your staff has the experience and skills necessary to deal with the variety of issues that a life-changing cardiac or pulmonary diagnosis can lead to.
Certification Programs: Click here for a justifcation word document to pass along to your administrators.
Recertification Programs: Click here for a justifcation word document to pass along to your administrators.
Certification and Recertification Videos
Breakout sessions were presented during the 26th AACVPR Annual Meeting regarding certification and recertification.
- Click here to view Breakout Session 12: AACVPR Certification Process.
- Click here to view Breakout Session 35: Update on the AACVPR Recertification Process.
Log in to the AACVPR Certification Center
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Start your application today! The AACVPR Program Certification application closes Wednesday, February 29, 2012. |
Important Dates for the 2012 Certification Cycle
- December 1, 2011: Certification Center opens
- February 29, 2012: Application Period Closes
- March 1 – April 30, 2012: Review Period
- June 1 – June 30, 2012: Certification Leadership Review
- July 1 – July 31, 2012: AACVPR Board of Directors reviews and approves recommendations of Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should my program become certified?
Your program benefit in the following ways:
- This process helps programs improve standards of care meet essential standards
- Essential standards required in certification are being recognized by insurance companies as part of performance measurements in patient care.
- JCAHO auditors are familiar with the AACVPR certification process and have limited their questioning of certified programs.
- Patient and family members want to participate in programs that are considered the best, and the “Certified” designation helps them decide between programs.
*Please note: Your program must be open for at least one year prior to applying for certification. This is to ensure that all information and policies are in place and functioning.
How much does it cost?
- Certification: A non-refundable application fee of $670 per program is due with the completed application form. The fees cover the cost of program administration and should be forwarded to the AACVPR national office.
- Recertification: A non-refundable application fee of $565 per program is due with the completed application form. The fees cover the cost of program administration and should be forwarded to the AACVPR national office.
How long does it take?
The Certification Center will be open from December 1 to February 29 for you to complete your application. You do not need to complete your application in one sitting; the Center allows you to come back as many times as you need to complete your application. Your work will be saved when you exit the system. The actual time it takes to submit an application will vary by applicant. The cycle closes on August 31, 2012.
Who decides if a program is certified or not?
The AACVPR Program Certification Committee will review each application packet for completeness and adherence to standards, and may request additional clarification. The committee shall recommend approval, or denial of certification to the AACVPR Board of Directors. Programs recommended for denial may appeal in writing to the AACVPR Board of Directors. The AACVPR Program Certification Committee reserves the right to perform a site inspection. For those approved for certification, the AACVPR Board of Directors will issue a certificate valid for three years. The certificate is suitable for framing and can be displayed proudly as a symbol of meeting required elements for quality patient care in cardiac rehabilitation.
I want to be certified as a practitioner in cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation; will AACVPR certify me?
No, at this time AACVPR certifies only outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. We do not certify individuals.
Where can I find more information on the application process, as well as the application itself?
Check back, as more information about the application process will be available in the coming weeks.
What is the data collection period for the 2012 cycle?
- Certification
January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011
- Recertification
January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011
Must there be a current AACVPR member within my program to submit a certification or recertification application?
Yes, in order to submit your program certification or recertification application you must have a current AACVPR member within your program. Click here to join AACVPR or renew your membership.