Extension Policy
When extenuating circumstances affect center activity, a site visit extension may be appropriate. Valid reasons for extensions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Natural disasters (hurricane, earthquake, tornado, flood, etc.)
- Blackouts/widespread power failure
- Other disasters, for example, fire
A site visit extension will be granted upon request for the instances listed above. Rescheduling will be dependent on the ACS site visit calendar and reviewer availability. The ACS can not guarantee a site visit extension within a specific time frame.
Instances of family/medical emergencies involving primary participants in the site visit and subsequent requests for a site visit extension will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and an appropriate site visit extension will be granted if warranted.
The following circumstances do not warrant a site visit extension:
- Software conversion (EMR migration, etc.)
- Staff absence or resignation
- Delays in data abstraction/Registry access
- Standards non-compliance
- Pending inspections/site visits from other accrediting bodies (The Joint Commission, etc.)
Site visit extensions for these or similar reasons will not be accommodated.
The center’s primary contact must submit all site visit extension requests via email to the ACS Quality General Inbox (acsquality@facs.org).
The extension request must include:
- Details of the rationale for the extension request
- A timeline for resolution of the underlying issue and center readiness
- Possible alternative site visit dates.
ACS Quality Team will respond to all site visit extension requests within 3-5 business days. The ACS Quality Team will notify the assigned Site Reviewer in the event that a site visit extension is granted.
Cancellation Policy
Participating centers are strongly discouraged from canceling or postponing a scheduled site visit. If cancellation or postponement becomes necessary after the site visit date is scheduled, the center must notify the ACS Quality General Inbox (acsquality@facs.org) and copy their assigned Program Coordinator.
Please notify the ACS Quality Team as soon as possible. The ACS Quality Team will notify the assigned Site Reviewer once the cancellation request has been confirmed. The center will be assessed a late cancellation fee to cover reviewer and administrative expenses for each canceled or postponed site visit.
Cancellation or postponement of a scheduled site visit may also result in any of the following:
- The assignment of a new Site Reviewer
- The center’s current Pre-Review Questionnaire for accreditation may be withdrawn
- The center’s current verification may be lapsed
For further questions or clarification about these policies, please contact ACS Quality General Inbox (acsquality@facs.org).
