Featured News

Warm greetings to you and your families this holiday season. As we close out the year, we extend our sincere wishes for a joyful holiday and a healthy, fulfilling New Year.

This past quarter, and indeed this past year, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) has remained unwavering in executing our mission and advancing our vision to be the global leader in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. Our singular focus remains on elevating safety, science, education, and clinical practice across our specialty. The UHMS exists so that every member benefits when we operate at the tip of the spear: setting standards, creating knowledge, and advocating for excellence.

The specialty of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine is grounded in science-driven guidance, robust education, and a discipline-wide commitment to safety. This year, our collective resolve was tested by the senseless deaths of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper and 43-year-old Walter Foxcroft, which underscore the real consequences when codes, standards, and safe practices are not followed. Such events reinforce why our work to require all hyperbaric systems in the United States to meet recognized codes and standards is non-negotiable. UHMS will continue to champion the adoption and enforcement of these standards globally, because safer chambers and informed providers save lives.

We have strengthened accreditation pathways, expanded evidence-based education, and continued to lead scientific exchange. These efforts benefit every member and uphold UHMS as the indispensable specialty society for undersea and hyperbaric medicine.

To New Heights

Over the next ten years, UHMS will redefine its global impact, expanding clinical frontiers, advancing translational science, and integrating with precision medicine. Our deepening partnership with the Aerospace Medical Association will fuel innovation at the intersection of hyperbarics, aviation, and space medicine. Together, we’re building a future where our specialty leads in resilience, recovery, and performance, from the depths of the ocean to the edge of space. The next decade belongs to us.

Corporate Partner Appreciation

Our Corporate Partners play a vital role in sustaining UHMS’s mission and enabling innovation across our field. We sincerely appreciate their partnership and commitment to safety, research, and education:

Diamond Corporate Partner:
• Fink Engineering
• Northwell Health‑Huntington Hospital

Platinum Corporate Partners:
• Best Publishing Company
• Mayo Clinic Hyperbaric & Altitude Med. Program
• Restorix Health Inc.
• Sechrist Industries, Inc.

Gold Corporate Partners:
• Aurora Health Care
• International ATMO, Inc.
• Life Support Technologies Inc.
• Regenerative and Hyperbaric Medicine

Silver Corporate Partners:
• Healogics, Inc
• Innovative Healing Systems
• Kendall South Medical Center Inc.
• Oxycare Ltd.
• Perry Baromedical Corporation
• Precision Health Care, Inc.
• Shared Health Services Inc.
• The Ottawa Hospital
• The Wound Treatment Center, LLC
• Wesley Hyperbaric
• Wound Care Education Partners

Annual Scientific Meeting Update

UHMS and AsMA have made significant progress in planning 2026’s meeting. Nearly all plenary and keynote speakers have been identified, and the abstract submission deadline is approaching on January 4^th.

Please note that early-bird registration begins January 1^st. This is an excellent opportunity to save on tuition.

Check the ASM website for more information on registration and hotel accommodations: About Us - AsMA/UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting.

We’re also excited to announce that we’ve secured annual scientific meeting locations and dates through 2034. With this schedule, we’ve negotiated 100% per diem hotel rates. This means a guaranteed lower cost for our attendees.

The Importance of Certification

Certification is a hallmark of professional experience, competency, and commitment to best practices. Whether you are a physician, nurse, or technician, obtaining and maintaining your certification in hyperbaric medicine demonstrates your expertise and adherence to the highest standards of patient care. UHMS strongly encourages physicians in our field to pursue certification through ABPM/ABEM subspecialty board certification or PATH CAQ and NPPs to achieve PATH CAE; we also promote all nurses who participate in the care of hyperbaric patients to become Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurses (CHRN) program, and technicians to be certified as Certified Hyperbaric Technologists (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialists (CHS). These credentials not only enhance your professional standing but also elevate the credibility of our specialty within the broader medical community.

Please review our position statement on Certification Matters: UHMS POSITION STATEMENT.

Facility Accreditation: A Commitment to Excellence

UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation remains the gold standard for ensuring safety, quality, and adherence to clinical best practices. Accredited facilities demonstrate their commitment to patient safety, operational excellence, and compliance with industry guidelines. If your facility is not yet accredited, I strongly encourage you to explore the process. Not only does accreditation improve patient trust and regulatory compliance, but it also serves as a proactive approach to risk management and liability reduction.

Maintaining Safety Diligence in Hyperbaric Systems

Safety is the foundation of everything we do in hyperbaric medicine. The risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO₂) demand unwavering diligence in maintaining equipment, conducting regular safety drills, and ensuring proper staff training. UHMS provides comprehensive guidelines and resources to help facilities uphold the highest safety standards, including routine inspections, emergency preparedness protocols, and compliance with NFPA 99 and ASME PVHO-1 standards. I urge all members to prioritize safety in their daily operations and take advantage of UHMS educational offerings on hyperbaric safety.

The Value of UHMS Membership

Your membership in UHMS is more than just an affiliation—it is an investment in your professional growth and the advancement of hyperbaric medicine. As a UHMS member, you gain access to cutting-edge research, clinical practice guidelines, educational opportunities, networking events, and advocacy efforts that aim to shape the future of our specialty. Additionally, membership provides exclusive discounts on conferences, workshops, and certification programs that support your career development.

The UHMS tent is wide open, so please come in and join us to make our specialty vibrant and viable for generations to come!

UHMS Finances

I am pleased to report that UHMS's financial position remains strong.

Our balance sheet remains healthy, with operating, savings, and investment accounts continuing to hover at near-all-time highs.

Member Benefits

As a reminder, UHMS members receive three free CE/CME credits upon joining or renewing. This benefit represents an immediate $40 savings for Associate members and $60 for Regular members annually. 

Associate Member Town Hall

Members are invited to attend the UHMS Associate Council town hall meeting, held on the second Thursday of each quarter, where invited speakers present on topics relevant to our specialty.

Corporate Partners

If you are a UHMS Corporate Partner, please attend our monthly Corporate Partner Town Hall meeting series. These meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 12 PM. They are intended to be an open forum for discussing the challenges and successes your businesses and practices are experiencing, as well as creating momentum and collaboration where appropriate.    

If your organization wants to educate the UHMS membership about the care provided or the goods and services offered, consider joining our Corporate Partnership Program. See https://www.uhms.org/corporate-memberships.html.  

MEDFAQs

The UHMS offers its version of "ask the experts." MEDFAQs can be found at the following URL: https://www.uhms.org/resources/medfaqs-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html, and it is a valuable tool for our membership.

If you are familiar with MEDFAQs, check back, as new Q&As are posted regularly.

Research

The UHMS Research Committee remains highly active. UHMS is currently funding systematic analyses and provides funding to Dartmouth University for the Multicenter Registry for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (MRHBO2). This is important because these contributions help keep the registry free for participating members. The MRHBO2 is funded entirely through grants, not by the participating hospitals of the registry - https://www.uhms.org/donate-to-the-multicenter-registry-for-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html.

QUARC

To better understand the field's challenges, log in and visit the QUARC page – https://www.uhms.org/resources/quarc.html. Here, you will find impending legislation and other relevant policies on the provision and limitations of HBO₂ coverage and the UHMS's responses and guidance.

The chairs of QUARC are requesting that any unusual denials or challenges to physicians gaining access to insurance panels for HBO2 services be reported to jpeters@uhms.org as soon as possible.

UHMJ

If you are a UHMS member, we are happy to announce a new search feature for previous issues and articles from UHM/UBR - https://www.uhms.org/publications/uhm-journal/download-uhm-journal-pdfs.html. Currently, the feature works with keywords.

Looking Ahead

UHMS remains committed to expanding educational initiatives, strengthening industry partnerships, and advocating for policy advancements that benefit our field. We encourage you to engage with us, participate in upcoming events, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue that shapes hyperbaric and undersea medicine.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Community. Your expertise, dedication, and continued engagement make a difference in advancing the science and practice of undersea and hyperbaric medicine.

If you have a suggestion or comment on how we can better serve you, please email me at jpeters@uhms.org or call 561-776-6110 extension 100.

Sincerely,
John Peters
Executive Director
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society

UK Center Status

There’s unsettling news from the U.K. This year, the National Health Service (NHS) in England proposed reducing the current eight contracted hyperbaric units to six. The only approved indications for hyperbaric treatment are decompression sickness and air embolism. In keeping with this limitation, commissioning contracts were revised, with a new requirement that each contracted unit must operate 24/7 and be capable of treating critically ill and ventilated patients inside the chamber. As of October 1, 2025, only three units were commissioned: 

• • DDRC (DDRC Healthcare Plymouth) 
  • CHI (St. Richards Hospital, Chicester) 
  • EOE (James Paget University Hospital Great Yarmouth)

With only three units operating, there will be no functioning hyperbaric chamber north of Great Yarmouth or in the West of England, raising significant patient safety concerns due to longer transfers and delays. The British Hyperbaric Association (BHA) has submitted strong objections to commissioners and other decision-makers, including politicians, seeking a more rational distribution of contracted centers. With fewer centers open and decreased treatment capacity UK REDCap data collection may be affected

II. Ongoing Outcomes Projects 

The following research studies are currently in progress:

1. Assessing whether outcomes for patients with late radiation effects treated with hyperbaric oxygen differ when treated with 2.0 vs 2.4 ATA 
2. Measuring improvements in key outcomes of hyperbaric therapy efficacy for the treatment of radiation proctitis 
3. Assessing registry outcomes for compromised flaps and grafts 
4. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss 
5. Treatment strategies versus outcome in arterial gas embolism
6. Outcomes for osteoradionecrosis in patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen
7. Outcomes for brain radionecrosis in patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen

III. Training & Knowledge Sharing:

• Andrew Melnyczenko (Mayo Clinic) recently delivered an excellent presentation on “Managing Hyperbaric Registry Data in a Multiplace Facility.” It offers practical, high-value guidance and is an ideal reference for newly participating centers.
• The video recording has been uploaded to the UHMS registry page, so other centers can access it as a learning resource. https://www.uhms.org/resources/uhms-supported-hyperbaric-registry/multicenter-registry-for-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html

Just after midnight on March 24, 1989, the supertanker Exxon Valdez grounded on Bligh Reef, and over ten million gallons of crude oil were released into Prince William Sound, Alaska.

This event was immediately devastating to the environment, and its effects are still being felt in 2025.  Multiple human factors were identified as contributing to this event.

• The third mate had the watch on the bridge when the grounding occurred, and fatigue has been cited as a factor. He had decided to let his relief sleep and carried the watch longer than scheduled.
  
  
• The Captain is ultimately responsible for the crew, cargo, and ship. It was reported that he had been seen drinking in a bar in Valdez, AK, the evening before the vessel left port. The captain was in his cabin, sleeping and not at the controls, when the vessel struck the reef. He was charged (and ultimately cleared) with criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.
  
  
• Critical equipment: The Raytheon Collision Avoidance System had not been properly maintained and was not functional.
  
  
• Corporate oversight failed to provide the ship’s captain with a well-rested crew and properly maintained equipment.
  
  
• Coast Guard regulations, the Valdez was operating outside of the normal shipping lane, and the emergency response was delayed.

There are other factors that I will not go into, as this commentary is not about the Exxon Valdez Oil spill. We can see comparisons in the factors between the Exxon Valdez disaster and accidents and mishaps that have occurred in the practice of hyperbaric medicine. 

Shortly after the Exxon Valdez disaster, I remember reading an article in a marine trade journal titled “Standing the Watch (1999).” The article has had a long-lasting impact on my life. Standing the Watch has a deep meaning for many of us, especially if we have military or maritime experience. To “Stand the Watch,” you are responsible for a specific function, and to remain alert until relieved by a qualified person or until the purpose of the watch is completed. The author, who was a Captain of a large vessel, urged us to remember the origins of the phrase “Standing the Watch” and wondered if the event would have occurred if the mate had been physically standing and alert. In older times, we did not have the convenience of radar, weather, computerized navigation, comfortable control rooms, and so on. You physically stood the watch, think of the Sentinels that guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When you have the watch, stay alert and do not become complacent.

Another factor of “Standing the Watch” is qualification. For hyperbaric facilities, NFPA 99 2024 edition, 3.3.162 defines Qualified Person as “A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, professional standing, or skill, and who, by knowledge, training, and experience has demonstrated the ability to perform the work.”

Not only do we need to remain vigilant in our various roles and responsibilities, but we also have an obligation to ensure we are qualified.

When we look at accidents and mishaps in hyperbaric medicine, many can be linked to human factors such as complacency, the normalization of deviance, and a lack of qualifications. Oversight by management may be lacking, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may not be aware of your facility or be unable to respond to an emergency efficiently. In my personal experience, many of the mistakes I have made in my personal and professional life have been related to not paying attention (complacency) or doing something I was not qualified to do (but thought I was).

Other contributing factors to accidents and mishaps include a lack of maintenance, limited or delayed emergency drills due to financial concerns, and practices outside norms and code. I suggest that “Standing the Watch” includes ensuring that the equipment you use is well maintained, that the governing body supports a culture of safety, and that the local AHJ is aware of your facility.

There have been two adverse events in 2025 that have impacted those of us involved with the provision of hyperbaric therapy.  Both had fatal outcomes. A 5-year-old child and an adult male have died this year in separate events involving the practice of hyperbaric medicine. In my opinion, both events may have been avoided or mitigated if the concept of “Standing the Watch” had been in play. I challenge us to be constantly aware. While we have an excellent safety record, the outcome(s) of an adverse event can be devastating.

Regardless of your role(s) in our practice, i.e., administration, medical oversight, Safety Officer, RN, RT, chamber operator, inside attendant, maintenance technician…consider adopting the concept of “Standing the Watch” into your personal practice. Find ways to maintain vigilance and avoid complacency. Maintain your qualifications and be honest with yourself and others.  Follow through on proper equipment maintenance and department administration.  Know your local AHJ and communicate with them.           

Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a bright start to the New Year. Thank you for your continued partnership; we look forward to the year ahead.

Over the past quarter, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) has remained firmly focused on its core mission: advancing patient safety, professional standards, education, and scientific integrity in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. This period has been marked by meaningful engagement across governance, education, accreditation, and public advocacy, reflecting both the maturity of our Society and the responsibility we bear as the leading authority in this field.

A central priority this quarter has been leadership continuity and representation within the UHMS. We have actively supported the nomination and development of outstanding candidates for elected and appointed roles, ensuring that physician, nursing, and active-duty military perspectives remain strongly represented at the leadership level. This deliberate approach reinforces institutional memory while preparing the Society for future challenges in an increasingly complex clinical and regulatory environment.

Education and training have also remained front and center. The UHMS continues to strengthen oversight of educational offerings, emphasizing appropriate governance, CME integrity, and legal accountability for course ownership and direction. These efforts are not administrative formalities; they are essential safeguards that protect learners, patients, and our specialty's reputation. By maintaining rigorous standards, the UHMS affirms its role as the gold standard for hyperbaric education worldwide.

Perhaps most notably this quarter, the UHMS engaged directly in public safety advocacy following a tragic hyperbaric-related death of a five-year-old child in Michigan. At the request of state leadership, UHMS provided formal testimony before the Michigan Subcommittee on Public Health, addressing the circumstances surrounding the incident and the broader issues of chamber safety, physician oversight, facility accreditation, and regulatory gaps. This testimony underscored a message the UHMS has consistently advanced: hyperbaric medicine must be delivered in properly accredited facilities, under the supervision of appropriately trained physicians, using chambers that meet established safety standards. While no testimony can undo a tragedy, the UHMS’s role in this process reflects our obligation to speak clearly, responsibly, and authoritatively when patient safety is at stake.

In parallel, the Society has continued its engagement with legislators, regulators, hospital systems, and professional organizations, positioning the UHMS as the trusted voice in hyperbaric medicine. These efforts are critical as hyperbaric oxygen treatment continues to attract public attention, commercial interest, and, at times, misuse outside accepted medical frameworks.

Throughout this quarter, the UHMS has remained guided by professionalism, collaboration, and respect for the legacy of those who built this Society, while maintaining a clear vision for its future. I am grateful to the Board of Directors, committee and council chairs and members, and our engaged membership for their dedication and thoughtful counsel. Together, we will continue to advance the UHMS’s mission with clarity, credibility, and purpose.

Looking ahead, I would also like to highlight the upcoming UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting in Denver, Colorado, May 17-21, 2026. This meeting remains the cornerstone of our Society’s scientific and educational mission, bringing together clinicians, scientists, engineers, nurses, technologists, and trainees from around the world together with our aerospace aviators, astronauts, and colleagues from the Aerospace Medical Association.  I strongly encourage all members to attend, especially our associate members who provide the backbone of our society.  I encourage you to submit your abstracts showcasing your clinical work, research, quality initiatives, and innovations from the past year. The Annual Scientific Meeting not only advances our collective knowledge but also strengthens the professional community that defines the UHMS. I look forward to seeing many of you in Denver for what promises to be an outstanding and impactful meeting.

The UHMS-AsMa Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) date is fast-approaching! I’ve always favored in-person learning for a variety of reasons, and I want to encourage all of you to attend an excellent, interactive experience.

Scientific conferences are essential to advancing knowledge and innovation by bringing together researchers, educators, professionals, and students from diverse backgrounds. Attendees come from around the world to share ideas, present discoveries, and build connections. In an era when information is readily accessible online, scientific conferences remain uniquely valuable. They combine learning, collaboration, and community in ways that cannot be fully replicated in other formats.

One of the most important benefits of attending scientific conferences is exposure to the latest research. Conferences often showcase new, unpublished, or still-in-progress findings. By attending presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and keynote speeches, we learn from experts in allied fields. New research findings give us early insight into emerging trends, methods, and discoveries.

ASM attendance also provides an essential platform for feedback and discussion. Presenting research to peers allows scientists to test their ideas, receive constructive criticism, and improve the quality of their work. Questions from the audience can reveal new perspectives or highlight issues the researcher may not have considered. This open exchange strengthens scientific rigor and encourages critical thinking.

Networking is another major advantage of scientific conferences. Face-to-face connections help build professional relationships that can lead to collaborations, mentorships, internships, or future career opportunities. Meeting established experts and fellow students alike can be especially valuable for early-career scientists, who benefit from advice, encouragement, and visibility within the scientific community.

In addition, conferences foster interdisciplinary learning. Many of the scientific challenges in our field require input from multiple disciplines. The ASM brings together experts who inspire innovative solutions and broaden understanding beyond one’s specialty.

Attending in-person conferences enhances personal and professional development. We improve communication skills by presenting and discussing our work, gain confidence in public speaking, and learn how to explain complex ideas clearly. Pre-course attendance provides further development of technical skills and aid career advancement.

Finally, scientific conferences help build a sense of community and shared purpose. They remind participants that science is a collective effort driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society. This sense of belonging can be motivating and inspiring, especially during challenging stages of academic or professional life.

In conclusion, scientific conferences are far more than formal gatherings; they are dynamic gatherings where knowledge is exchanged, ideas are refined, and connections are formed. By attending the Annual Scientific Meeting, you will not only enhance your own understanding, you will also contribute to the continued growth and vitality of the scientific society as a whole.

References

AiScholar. (2024). 6 exceptional benefits of attending an international conference. https://www.aischolar.org/news/academic_conferences/522 AiScholar

Diamond, J., & Hauser, T. (2025). How academic gatherings promote knowledge production and dissemination (Abstract). ScienceDirect. ScienceDirect

Kenfra. (n.d.). Benefits of attending conferences: Top 11 advantages for PhD scholars. https://kenfra.in/11-key-benefits-of-attending-conferences-for-phd-scholars/ Kenfra Research

Northwestern University. (2022, March 14). Are conferences worth the time and money? https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2022/03/are-conferences-worth-the-time-and-money Northwestern Now

Undergoing a UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation survey represents a major milestone in demonstrating that a facility provides safe, consistent, and clinically appropriate hyperbaric care. Surveyors approach the evaluation with a structured methodology, and although each organization uses its own checklist, their priorities are remarkably similar. In almost every survey, five major areas form the backbone of the review: safety, clinical operations, staff competency, the quality program, and facility standards. Let’s review each one of these areas.

Safety Program and Compliance

Safety is the foundation of hyperbaric medicine, and surveyors devote significant time to ensuring that a functioning, well-maintained safety program is in place. They will look closely at how the facility plans for emergencies, how it manages risk, and whether its written policies accurately reflect what clinicians and technicians do daily.

During the survey, the team will examine how the facility protects patients, staff, and equipment during operations. They often begin by reviewing written safety policies and confirming that they meet NFPA 99 standards. Surveyors expect the facility to have a formal safety program that is reviewed and updated. They may then compare these written expectations to real-world performance by asking staff members how they would respond to specific events—such as a fire inside the chamber, a medical emergency, rapid decompression, or an electrical failure. The goal is not simply that a policy exists, but that every staff member knows and follows it with confidence.

Equipment oversight is another critical component. Surveyors expect to find evidence that chambers undergo regular inspections, maintenance, and calibration. Daily and weekly logs should be complete, up to date, and free of significant gaps in dates. Maintenance tags, service stickers, and inspection records help demonstrate that equipment is actively monitored rather than addressed only when something fails. All of this reflects whether the organization is proactive or reactive in managing patient and staff safety.

Clinical Operations

In addition to examining safety, accreditation surveyors assess how care is delivered. They want to see that hyperbaric therapy is being offered to appropriate patients and that treatment decisions are medically justified. That complete documentation supports the clinical process from start to finish.

This begins with patient selection. Before a patient starts treatment, there should be evidence that a qualified provider evaluated the case and confirmed that the indication is accepted and recognized. A properly completed history and physical assessment should be found in the chart before the start of therapy. Surveyors expect treatment plans to be signed by credentialed physicians or advanced practice providers responsible for supervising the course of care.

Once therapy begins, documentation becomes central. Surveyors will review patient charts for a clear demonstration of progress. They will look for daily documentation describing how the patient tolerated the dive, whether the treatment was completed as ordered, whether therapeutic goals are being met, and whether any complications occurred. If the patient is being treated for a wound, surveyors expect wound evaluations and photographs to be updated regularly. Informed consent must also be present and must meet legal and professional documentation standards. Ultimately, surveyors approach documentation with a simple philosophy: if it is not documented, it is considered not done.

Staff Competency and Training

A hyperbaric service cannot operate safely if staff are not adequately trained. For that reason, surveyors will examine the credentials and competencies of everyone involved in the treatment process. They will review orientation materials for new hires, ensuring that onboarding includes both clinical and safety-related components. Facilities are expected to conduct annual competency evaluations to confirm that each team member can safely operate chamber systems, respond to emergencies, and deliver care in compliance with policies and regulations.

Surveyors may also review documentation of emergency response drills—such as simulated fires, patient issues, rapid decompressions, or chamber malfunctions. They want proof not only that these drills occur, but that staff reflect on them, identify opportunities for improvement, and incorporate lessons learned into practice. Certifications may also be verified, including BLS, ACLS, CHT, CHS, CHRN, and completion of recognized hyperbaric provider training programs. Surveyors understand that a well-prepared team is one of the strongest predictors of patient safety.

Quality Improvement Program

Accrediting organizations expect hyperbaric centers to operate within a structured quality improvement (QI) framework. A QI program is not simply a binder of historical meeting minutes; it should be an active, ongoing system for monitoring performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and demonstrating accountability.

Surveyors want to see that the facility tracks meaningful performance indicators, such as adverse events, patient outcomes, delayed or missed treatments, equipment failures, and patient satisfaction trends. The program should include regular meetings, typically monthly or quarterly, during which data are reviewed and discussed by leadership and clinical staff. If something goes wrong—such as a safety breach, a medical emergency, or a significant equipment failure—the facility should conduct a root-cause analysis, determine how the issue occurred, and develop corrective actions to prevent it from happening again.

Peer review may also be examined. Surveyors will look for evidence that physicians and advanced practice providers periodically review clinical cases, reflect on care quality, and document these activities. A mature quality program demonstrates that the facility is continually learning, improving, and adapting—not just preparing for accreditation day.

Facility Standards and Environmental Safety

Surveyors will conduct a physical site tour to ensure the treatment environment supports patient and staff safety. They will examine the placement of chambers to ensure adequate clearance for safe ingress and egress. Ventilation, grounding, alarm systems, and overall cleanliness will be inspected. Surveyors will also ensure that oxygen cylinders and related materials are stored securely and in accordance with applicable codes and regulations.

Emergency exit pathways should be unobstructed and clearly marked. Patient care areas should be orderly and free of unnecessary clutter. A clean environment does more than present well; it reflects attentiveness, discipline, and proper operational control.

Preparing for a Successful Survey

Preparing for a hyperbaric accreditation survey is best done gradually, through consistent maintenance and continuous reinforcement of expected practices. Facilities typically benefit from conducting internal mock surveys, ideally conducted by someone not involved in everyday operations. A fresh set of eyes often reveals risks or compliance gaps that busy staff may overlook.

Documentation plays a significant role in helping surveyors navigate the program. Many facilities maintain an accreditation binder or digital folder containing policies, procedures, training files, maintenance logs, drill reports, QI summaries, and credentialing files. When documentation is well organized and readily available, surveyors can complete their work more efficiently, and the facility appears disciplined and prepared.

Training and staff confidence are equally important. Surveyors often ask employees direct questions about safety processes, emergency responses, or clinical protocols. Staff members who provide clear, accurate responses demonstrate mastery of their environment, which reflects positively on the facility.

What a High-Quality Hyperbaric Quality Program Looks Like

A strong quality program is data-driven, consistent, and connected to both patient care and operational performance. It includes a written QI plan describing how performance is evaluated, who is responsible for monitoring progress, and how corrective actions are developed. The program should demonstrate measurable results—trends over time, improvements made, and issues resolved. In mature programs, staff at every level understand the QI process, and participation is not limited to management.

A credible quality program reviews not only adverse events but also near misses, recognizing that preventing harm before it occurs is a sign of a well-functioning safety culture. Leadership engagement is also essential. When administrators, medical directors, and clinical staff regularly interact with performance data, the program becomes an active tool for shaping daily operations—not an exercise performed only when surveyors arrive.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation is not simply a review of regulatory requirements; it is a structured measure of whether a facility has a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism. By maintaining strong clinical oversight, training competent staff, proactively managing risk, and documenting all aspects of patient care and operational performance, hyperbaric centers can not only succeed during surveys but also elevate the quality of care they provide every day.

Congratulations to these Facilities!

July 2025

Reaccredited:
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Dallas, TX 

August 2025

Reaccredited:
Holy Cross Hospital-Jordan Valley
West Jordan, UT

September 2025

New:
*Essentia Health*
Fargo, ND

The Brain & Performance Centre
Dubai, UAE

Reaccredited:
*AdventHealth Orlando*
Orlando, FL

*Aurora Medical Center in Grafton*
Grafton, WI

*Aurora Medical Center-Manitowoc County*
Two Rivers, WI

*Aurora Medical Center-Oshkosh*
Oshkosh, WI

*Essentia Health Fargo*
Fargo, ND

Nuvance Health Danbury Hospital
Danbury, CT

Nuvance Health Norwalk Hospital
Norwalk, CT

*NYU Langone-Long Island*
Mineola, NY

*With Distinction*