The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) combined their respective metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation programs into a single unified program to achieve one national accreditation standard for metabolic and bariatric surgery centers, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of metabolic and bariatric surgical centers. A metabolic and bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during which it proves that it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice. All accredited centers report their outcomes to the MBSAQIP database.
MBSAQIP is governed by a structured committee framework that promotes excellence in metabolic and bariatric surgical care. This structure includes the Committee on Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (CMBS) and three subcommittees.
Serving as the MBSAQIP Advisory Committee, the CMBS provides strategic guidance to ACS leadership on the development, implementation, and future direction of MBSAQIP. This committee makes recommendations related to program operations, expansion, and the integration of the core values of continuous quality improvement and advancement of surgical care for patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric procedures.
Committee for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Roster
The CMBS is supported by three specialized subcommittees:
This subcommittee is responsible for the development, review, and ongoing revision of the MBSAQIP Standards: Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It also ensures that all accredited centers meet the necessary criteria at the time of initial accreditation and at each subsequent triennial reaccreditation.
MBSAQIP Standards and Verification Subcommittee Roster
This group oversees the MBSAQIP Quality Data Platform, providing expert input on data collection, reporting, and analytics. It also leads the design and implementation of national quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and supporting evidence-based practice.
MBSAQIP Data and Quality Subcommittee Roster
This committee reviews site visit reports and documentation when discrepancies arise between the site reviewer and post-site reviewer. It is responsible for final determinations on center accreditation status, including issuing denials. Additionally, the committee reviews withdrawal appeal documentation to determine whether an accreditation denial should be upheld or overturned.
Together, these committees form the foundation of MBSAQIP governance, ensuring the program remains a leader in surgical quality and patient safety.
MBSAQIP Executive Review Subcommittee Roster
The CMBS Committee developed the Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
If you have any questions or comments, contact the Committee Staff Liaison, Lisa Hale, at lhale@facs.org.