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From the 2025 2nd Quarter Pressure

Derall W. Garrett, CHT

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Updated "With Distinction" Accreditation Criteria for Hyperbaric Facilities: New CAQ Inclusion

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) Board of Directors has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in hyperbaric medicine through updated guidance for "With Distinction" (WD) accreditation. While the core framework remains largely intact, a notable update has been introduced to the credentials qualifying a facility’s Medical Director under Criterion #1—the inclusion of the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine issued by UHMS.

Under the latest update, a facility’s Medical Director may now fulfill Criterion #1 by holding a:

  • Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine issued by UHMS

This inclusion reflects UHMS’s commitment to recognizing multiple pathways to clinical excellence in hyperbaric medicine.

This is in addition to previously accepted qualifications:

  • Board certification by ABEM, ABPM, or the Osteopathic Conjoint Committee.
  • Completion of an ACGME-approved (or equivalent) Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine fellowship.
  • Designation as a Fellow (FUHM) of the UHMS.

The inclusion of the CAQ recognizes UHMS’s evolving educational framework and provides an alternative, structured pathway for professionals who demonstrate specialized expertise in hyperbaric medicine.

Overview of the "With Distinction" Framework

To receive WD recognition, a hyperbaric facility must:

  • Meet Criterion #1 (mandatory) and
  • Earn at least 6 out of 10.5 total possible points across nine defined criteria.

Each criterion carries a fixed-point value (no partial credit) and must be fully met for the point to be awarded. Criteria #1–#5 must be actively met at the time of the survey, while Criteria #6–#9 must have been fulfilled within the last three years (or four years for previously WD-accredited sites).

Criteria Overview & Scoring

#

Focus Area

Requirement Summary

Points

1   

 Medical Director Credentialing (Mandatory) Must meet at least One of the following:
  • Board Certification (ABEM, ABPM, Osteopathic) OR
  • ACGME-approved UHM Fellowship OR
  • NEW: CAQ issued by UHMS OR
  • FUHM (Fellow of UHMS) designation
 1.0
2 24/7 Access to HBO₂ Therapy Demonstrate direct or coordinated access for emergency/urgent HBO₂ care at all times 2.0
3 Critical Care Capability Treat critically ill patients using proper monitoring, ventilator support, and credentialed staff 1.5
4 Certified Staff All eligible RNs and techs must hold CHRN, CHT, or CHS certifications 1.0
5 Quality Improvement (QI) Program Internally driven, data-supported QI initiatives to improve patient care/safety 1.0
6 Conference Presentations Facility staff deliver HBO₂-related presentations at recognized events 1.0
7 Publications Contributions to textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, or professional documents 1.0
8 Teaching Activities Ongoing involvement in UHM instruction via:
  • Fellowships
  • Clinical rotations
  • CEU/CME-approved education
 1.0
9 Research Conduct IRB/IACUC-approved research with intent to publish or present 1.0

Important: Even if a facility meets all WD criteria, final designation is based on the entire survey evaluation, not just the WD point score. Facilities that meet the WD criteria may still be asked to complete Point of Actions (POA) requested by the Accreditation Council.

Conclusion

The addition of the CAQ by UHMS to Criterion #1 reflects UHMS's recognition of multiple credentialing pathways for medical directors committed to advancing excellence in hyperbaric medicine. This change enhances access to WD consideration while maintaining rigorous standards.

Facilities are encouraged to review their qualifications and documentation in light of this update and direct questions to the UHMS HFA Office at derall@uhms.org or beth@uhms.org.

 

Congratulations to these Facilities!

January 2025

New:

Republic of Singapore Navy
Singapore

Reaccredited:

Concord Hospital
Concord, NH

St. George Regional Hospital
St. George, UT 

February 2025

Reaccredited:

*Reading Hospital*
Wyomissing, PA

*UPMC Carlisle*
Carlisle, PA

March 2025

Reaccredited:

Loma Linda University Hospital-Murrieta
Murrieta, CA

North Shore University Hospital
New Hyde Park, NY

Samaritan Albany General Hospital
Albany, OR

* With Distinction*