What is required of physicians performing surgery in an ASC, as per AAAHC's accreditation standards?

The accreditation standards set by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) specify that physicians performing surgery in an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) need to have privileges at a local Medicare participating hospital. This requirement ensures that the physician is recognized by their peers and the hospital community for their capabilities and adherence to professional standards, which ultimately enhances patient safety and quality of care.

Having privileges at a participating hospital signifies that the surgeon has been vetted and accepted by that hospital's credentialing committee, reflecting their competence and readiness to perform surgeries safely. This standard helps maintain a systematic oversight of practitioners, ensuring they can provide necessary follow-up care or emergency services in collaboration with the hospital, if the need arises.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the essential accreditation criteria outlined by AAAHC. Board certification is important but not explicitly required for performing surgery in an ASC under AAAHC's standards. Performing surgery exclusively at the ASC and completing additional training specific to the ASC could pertain to other operational or policy standards but are not mandated by the AAAHC for the privilege to perform surgery. Thus, the correct response emphasizes the critical relationship between ASCs and local hospitals within the context of surgical privileges.