Facilities or laboratories seeking accreditation by one of the IAC divisions (ICAVL, ICAEL, ICANL, ICAMRL, ICACTL and/or ICACSF) participate via a two-step process.
First, a thorough review of the appropriate division Standards enables staff to be familiar with the published requirements and recommendations for the performance and interpretation of quality testing practices. Staff members are encouraged to make any necessary changes to the operations of the facility or laboratory to ensure, at a minimum, substantial compliance to the Standards before proceeding to completion of the application. The corresponding application allows participating laboratories or facilities to answer questions and submit data and attachments to document compliance with the Standards. The submission of sample case studies and their corresponding final reports is a heavily weighted component of the application process.

Each of the IAC divisions (ICAVL, ICAEL, ICANL, ICAMRL, ICACTL and ICACSF) provides the guide known as the Standards. As the basis for each division program, the Standards are an extensive document defining the minimum requirements for facilities and laboratories to provide quality patient care. Serving the facility or laboratory as the accompanying guide through the division's accreditation process, the corresponding Standards must be referenced when completing the Online Accreditation application.

Each application submitted to the IAC undergoes a simultaneous, independent review conducted by two application reviewers. Read more about the application review»

The Board of Directors reviews the findings and renders an accreditation decision:

• Grant
• Delay
• Site Visit
• Deny (No application for accreditation is ever initially denied; laboratories first receive a notification of a delay or a site visit).

The IAC division advises each facility or laboratory of its accreditation decision via a personalized notification letter. This letter, sent to the Medical and Technical Directors, details the accreditation decision and when required, requests any additional documentation to further support adherence to the Standards. Read more about accreditation decisions»

In an effort to further substantiate continued compliance by accredited facilities and laboratories and in response to the requirements sanctioned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for CMS appointed Accreditation Organizations as part of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA), the IAC has implemented a policy requiring all accredited laboratories to undergo an audit or site visit at some time during their three-year accreditation period. Read more about random site visits and audits»

Effective 1/1/10: Applications submitted to the IAC must be accompanied by a current, completed IAC Accreditation Agreement (current published version is 1/2011) in order to receive an accreditation decision. Obtain instructions, read important information and download the IAC Agreement»

Access to Online Accreditation is now free of charge. Applicant facilities and laboratories are only charged the accreditation fee, due at the time of application submission. Complete details about accreditation fees and access to the application fee calculator, are found on each division website, in the Accreditation Fee section.

The IAC accreditation programs provide a pathway for eligible facilities and laboratories with multiple sites (fixed and/or mobile) to apply for accreditation with one application and reduced fees for additional sites.

The IAC and its divisions are fully staffed with customer service-oriented clinical and administrative personnel trained to guide you through the application process. For assistance, please contact the IAC at 800-838-2010 or e-mail us today.