According to AAAHC, what must an ASC establish when assigning patient care responsibilities to non-physician practitioners?

An accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) must establish policies and procedures approved by the governing body for clinical activities when assigning patient care responsibilities to non-physician practitioners. This requirement ensures that there is a clear and structured framework outlining the roles and responsibilities of non-physician staff, which aligns with the standards set by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

The establishment of these policies and procedures is crucial for several reasons. First, it promotes consistent and safe patient care by defining the scope of practice and operational guidelines for non-physician practitioners. Second, it ensures compliance with accrediting standards and regulatory requirements, which helps maintain the quality of care within the facility. Lastly, having the governing body approve these policies provides an additional layer of oversight and accountability, demonstrating the ASC's commitment to best practices in patient care delivery.

In contrast, while clinical training protocols, continuing education requirements, and performance evaluations are important aspects of staff preparation and competency, they do not specifically address the need for a governing body-approved framework specifically for assigning patient care responsibilities. Therefore, while relevant, they do not capture the primary focus of this particular standard regarding the delegation of care to non-physician practitioners.