HMH Sleep Disorder Lab achieves ACHC Accreditation
Harrison Memorial Hospital (HMH) is proud to announce that the HMH Sleep Disorder Lab has achieved accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
Accreditation is a process through which healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with nationally recognized standards for quality and patient care. ACHC accreditation reflects an organization’s commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering the highest level of care to patients.
ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has served as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. During the accreditation process, the HMH Sleep Disorder Lab successfully demonstrated compliance with more than 100 national standards. The comprehensive on-site survey included a review of policies, procedures, staff credentials and an observed sleep study. HMH earned accreditation with zero deficiencies. The accreditation survey was led by Mary Beth Slade, RRT, HMH Respiratory and Sleep Lab Manager.
“The recent successful ACHC accreditation of our Sleep Disorder Lab demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional patient care across all of our service lines,” said Nicholas Wiley, Chief Operating Officer at Harrison Memorial Hospital. “Our patients, community and providers can be confident that their sleep health needs are being met by a nationally accredited facility staffed by certified sleep technologists and a board-certified sleep medicine specialist.”
Wiley also recognized the team whose dedication made the achievement possible.
“I want to extend my sincere congratulations and appreciation to Dr. Maria Pavez, Mary Beth Slade and Ella Fredrickson on an outstanding ACHC survey with zero deficiencies identified,” Wiley said. “This achievement reflects exceptional leadership, thorough preparation, attention to detail, and the compassionate, high-quality care they provide to our patients every day. Earning accreditation with zero deficiencies is a testament to their dedication and commitment to excellence. I also want to thank everyone who contributed to this success. Their teamwork and commitment continue to make Harrison Memorial Hospital proud.”
The HMH Sleep Disorder Lab was established in 2005 and recently relocated to its new facility in the building behind the hospital’s Emergency Department entrance. Patients undergoing an overnight sleep study are cared for by highly trained sleep technologists in comfortable, private sleep rooms designed to promote a restful environment. In addition to in-lab testing, HMH also offers home sleep studies for qualifying patients.
Dr. Maria Pavez serves as the Medical Director of the HMH Sleep Disorder Clinic and supervises and interprets all sleep studies performed at HMH.
Dr. Pavez earned her medical degree from Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru. She completed her internship in internal medicine, residency in neurology and fellowship in electromyography at the University of Kentucky. She is board certified in both Neurology and Sleep Medicine.
“Sleep disorders affect approximately one in four individuals,” said Dr. Pavez. “When left untreated, conditions such as sleep apnea can have serious, even life-threatening consequences because of their impact on the cardiovascular and neurological systems. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve a person’s overall health, quality of life and well-being.”
The HMH Sleep Disorder Lab evaluates and treats a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy and circadian sleep-wake disorders. Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting an estimated 4 to 6 percent of the population.
Most medical insurance plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to verify their individual coverage.
For more information about the HMH Sleep Disorder Lab or to schedule an appointment with the HMH Neurology and Sleep Disorders Clinic, please call 859-235-3629.
