UA’s Russell Student Health Center Achieves National Accreditation

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Russell Student Health Center (RSHC) at The University of Alabama has been awarded the Certificate of Accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. (AAAHC) for a full term of three years.

The award means that the health center has met nationally recognized standards for quality health care set by the Chicago-based accrediting organization. “We are pleased and proud to have achieved re-accreditation,” said Connie Diggs, RSHC director. “We think accreditation is very important and has helped us to improve the quality of care we provide. Our patients are the ultimate benefactors from our participation in this program.”

In order to achieve accreditation, RSHC has undergone an extensive on-site survey of its facilities and services. The survey team, composed of physicians and health care administrators, evaluated all aspects of patient care at the center. The survey findings resulted in a favorable decision.

The association’s notification letter commended RSHC for its accomplishment, noting that “the dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial.”

The AAAHC has accredited more than 800 ambulatory care organizations nationwide, including single and multi-specialty group practices, ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, college and university health centers, health maintenance organizations and other managed care systems, dental group practices, community health centers and occupational health centers.