Regulatory compliance in the ambulatory surgery setting: a process improvement approach

Keeping up with the many rules and regulations associated with health care can be a challenge in these times of constantly increasing and changing local, state, federal, and accreditation agency regulations. The task can be made simpler by using a quality improvement process to track and enhance performance and compliance. This article focuses on the development of a plan that not only tracks requirements, but also provides the format for process change and improvement. The process is designed for use in the ambulatory surgery setting, although certain ideas and processes can be applied in the hospital setting as well. The process can and should ensure that the unit or facility is doing the "right thing" for team members, patients, and visitors.