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The IAC Standards and Guidelines for Vascular Testing Accreditation

Click here for a printer-friendly PDF of the Vascular Testing Standards

Introduction

Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) accredits imaging facilities specific to vascular testing. IAC accreditation is a means by which facilities can evaluate and demonstrate the level of patient care they provide.

A vascular testing facility is a unit performing noninvasive vascular diagnostic testing under the overall direction of a Medical Director. A Technical Director is appointed who is responsible for the direct supervision of all the technical staff and the daily operations of the facility. All interpreting physicians (medical staff) and practicing technologists/sonographers (technical staff) must be adequately trained and experienced to interpret and perform noninvasive vascular testing respectively.

The intent of the accreditation process is two-fold. It is designed to recognize facilities that provide quality vascular testing services. It is also designed to be used as an educational tool to improve the overall quality of the facility.

The following are the specific areas of vascular testing for which accreditation may be obtained:

• extracranial cerebrovascular

• peripheral arterial

• intracranial cerebrovascular

• peripheral venous

• visceral vascular

• screening

These accreditation Standards and Guidelines are the minimum Standards for accreditation of vascular testing facilities. Standards are the minimum requirements to which an accredited facility is held accountable. Guidelines are descriptions, examples, or recommendations that elaborate on the Standards. Guidelines are not required, but can assist with interpretation of the Standards.

Standards are printed in regular typeface in outline form. Guidelines are printed in italic typeface in narrative form.

Standards that are highlighted are content changes that were made as part of the November 1, 2020 revision. These Standards will become effective May 1, 2021. Facilities applying for accreditation after May 1, 2021 must comply with these new highlighted Standards.

In addition to all Standards listed below, the facility, including all staff, must comply at all times with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to laws relating to licensed scope of practice, facility operations and billing