Bariatric Surgery Accreditation

The program accredits inpatient and outpatient bariatric surgery centers in the United States and Canada that have undergone an independent, voluntary, and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. Bariatric surgery accreditation not only promotes uniform standard benchmarks, but also supports continuous quality improvement.

How to Apply

New centers can apply here. It’s required that all new centers submit an application before gaining access to the Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ).

Here is a brief overview of the accreditation process.

Accreditation Process

Application

Review MBSAQIP Standards to determine eligibility and appropriate designation level for your center
Submit online application (available at mbsaqip.org)
Center pays annual participation fee and executes contracts

Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ)

Center must meet compliance measures for all applicable Standards
Center submits compete Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ) through the MBSAQIP Quality Portal
MBS Clinical Reviewer is registered for training

Site Visit

Center is assigned a surgeon Site Visit Reviewer and must complete a site visit within 6 months of PRQ submission
MBS Clinical Reviewer must successfully complete online training modules and begin data entry to MBSAQIP Registry prior to site visit

Outcome

Center will be notified of accreditation decision and receive the Accreditation Report approximately 8-12 weeks after the site visit
Center’s accreditation is effective retroactive to the date of the site visit and remain accredited for a 3-year term
Center submits Annual Compliance Report (ACR) at the first and second anniversary of initial accreditation and submits renewal application at 3 years

Existing MBSAQIP Centers

MBSAQIP-Accredited Centers are required to submit a renewal PRQ every three years to maintain accreditation.

Here is a brief overview of the renewal process for reaccrediting centers:

Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ)

Review MBSAQIP Standards to confirm ongoing eligibility and appropriate designation level for your center
Renewal notice sent to the center 6 months prior to accreditation end date
Center pays annual participation fee and executes contracts
Center submits complete Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ) through the MBSAQIP Quality Portal
Center must meet all applicable Standards at the time of PRQ submission

Site Visit

Center is assigned a surgeon Site Visit Reviewer after PRQ submission and must complete a site visit within 30 days of accreditation anniversary date

Outcome

Center will be notified of accreditation decision and receive the Accreditation Report approximately 8-12 weeks after the site visit
If accredited, the center is renewed for a new 3-year term from the date of initial accreditation
Center submits Annual Compliance Report (ACR) at the first and second anniversary of initial accreditation and submits renewal application at 3 years

International Data Collection Center Applicants

Participation as a Data Collection Center is now available to International Centers.

Please note: Participation as a MBSAQIP Data Collection Center is NOT available to centers within the United States and Canada.

Data Collection Centers can apply using the MBSAQIP Quality Portal. No additional materials beyond the application are required for centers that are only seeking Data Collection participation. The bariatric surgeon leader at your center (MBS Director) is required to view the MBSAQIP Data Collection Webinar prior to applying. All staff or hospital administrators who will be integral to the successful implementation of a Data Collection program are encouraged, although not required, to view the webinar as well.

Enrollment Checklist Watch the Webinar

Please note that registration is required so that attendance by your MBS Director can be verified by the MBSAQIP. The webinar is pre-recorded so you may view it at your convenience.

Questions

All MBSAQIP centers are encouraged to participate in Ask MBSAQIP, our monthly webinar series.

MBSAQIP Standards

Accreditation

MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgical centers.