The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved DNV as a national accrediting organization for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), granting the maximum four-year approval term. This decision affirms the strength of DNV’s accreditation framework and its alignment with CMS’s rigorous standards.
DNV’s entry into the ASC accreditation space represents a significant development for the industry. ASCs have become a critical component of surgical care delivery, and accreditation is essential for demonstrating compliance, quality, and patient safety. CMS’s approval positions DNV as a trusted option for surgical centers seeking a collaborative and improvement-focused approach.
DNV brings extensive experience to this new program. Since entering the U.S. healthcare market in 2008, the organization has grown to become the second-largest hospital accreditor in the country. Its NIAHO® accreditation model, based on ISO 9001 principles, emphasizes continuous improvement and operational alignment. Unlike traditional episodic inspections, DNV offers a three-year accreditation cycle supported by annual quality-of-care surveys. This structure promotes year-round readiness and sustained compliance rather than short-term preparation for inspections.
The ASC Accreditation Program is designed to be scalable and adaptable, accommodating diverse payment models and patient populations. In addition to core accreditation, DNV provides specialty-focused Centers of Excellence certifications and training programs in areas such as orthopedic and spine care and infection prevention. These resources enable surgical centers to strengthen clinical performance and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Industry leaders note that DNV’s approach reflects a broader trend toward accreditation models that prioritize continuous improvement over static compliance. “Ambulatory surgical centers are reshaping healthcare globally,” said Geir Fuglerud, CEO of Supply Chain & Product Assurance at DNV. “Our accreditation model helps centers deliver safer care, improve outcomes, and meet the expectations of modern healthcare systems.”
For ASCs, accreditation with DNV signals more than meeting regulatory requirements. It demonstrates a commitment to patient safety, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. As the ASC sector continues to expand, DNV’s approval by CMS offers surgical centers a new pathway to elevate performance and maintain a competitive edge.
Learn more at: https://www.dnv.com/services/niaho-accreditation-for-ambulatory-surgical-centres/