Objective: The major objective of the Practice Accreditation Program of the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO-PAP) is to review practice entities to ascertain that their facilities, staffing, and treatment programs are in accordance with accepted standards of modem day radiation therapy delivered in the United States.

Overall Program: The ACRO-PAP examines the facilities, staffing, policies, procedures and practice patterns of radiation therapy practices. The program is entirely voluntary. The ACRO-PAP is affiliated with no governmental entity or regulatory agency; However, it is recognized by several organizations.

Facility: In reviewing the facility, the quantity of equipment available must be appropriate to the patient load treated in the center and must be appropriate for the disease entities treated. The quality of the equipment will also be reviewed in terms of machine calibration, frequency of checks, and maintenance records.

Staff: The staffing of the radiation oncology practice, including medical and paramedical personnel should be in accordance with currently accepted standards (see ACRO standards). The quality of the staff will also be reviewed in terms of staff certifications and in the achievement of continuing medical and paramedical educational credits.

Treatment: Selected cases from previously treated patients fists will be reviewed by a panel of recognized experts to ensure compliance to standard of radiotherapy practice. The Center's Quality Assurance programs for both medical and technical aspects of patients care will also be reviewed.

Case Review Panel: An essential part of the Accreditation Program will be a review of cases selected randomly from provided case fists. These cases will be reviewed in detail by two reviewers selected from a panel of senior recognized experts within the field. If questions occur regarding compliance to accepted standards of practice in the cases reviewed, farther information or additional cases will be requested and will be reviewed by two further reviewers from the panel.

Regional Practice Verifiers: Senior individuals, members of the American College of Radiation Oncology, may perform on-site inspections of centers to be accredited. These individuals may be members of the Practice Accreditation Committee, the Case Review Panel, or individuals selected by seniority and geographic distribution.

Process Of Accreditation:

1. Application Process: The Facility applies to ACRO Practice Accreditation Office. An application is sent requesting Facility information. Upon receipt of this, the Practice Accreditation Office sends instructions for the internet based data submission for the computerized survey.
2. Survey Process: The Facility fills in the computerized survey and returns it to the Practice Accreditation Office. This consists of medial and physics data from selected cases, information on equipment and personnel, and continued quality assurance.
3. Review Process: The survey is turned over to the assigned reviewers. Further information may be requested of the facility by the reviewers. The reviewers return the recommendation(s) to the Practice Accreditation Committee along with the survey and initial application.
4. Facility Accreditation: The Facility will then be informed of the findings of the Committee. Accreditation will normally be for a period of 3 years. Provisional accreditation will be for I year during which deficiencies are noted which would require correction and documentation.

FEES: Single Site = $7,000, Non-Member Fee = $9,000, Additional Sites = $3,500/site