FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah McEntee
CAAS Executive Director
sarahm@tcag.com
The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services Launches ANSI-Approved CAAS Standards Version 4.0
Glenview, Illinois (January 27, 2025) — The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) proudly announces the release of CAAS Standards Version 4.0. Approved as a national standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Version 4.0 represents a significant update to the CAAS standards that guide ambulance services and medical response systems, ensuring the highest levels of quality and safety in mobile patient care.
“We are excited to introduce CAAS Standards Version 4.0, which represents our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in EMS,” said Kathy Rinnert, MD, Chair of the CAAS Standards Version 4.0 Committee. “These updated standards will help EMS agencies nationwide provide the highest quality of care to their communities while maintaining the utmost in safety and operational integrity.”
The CAAS Standards Version 4.0 has been meticulously developed by a dedicated project team and committee members, including experts from various fields such as emergency medical services, legal, clinical operations, and public safety. The new standards reflect the latest practices and regulatory requirements, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness and accountability of ambulance services.
Highlights of CAAS Standards Version 4.0
- Recognized as a National Standard: Officially approved by ANSI, CAAS Standards Version 4.0 [ANSI/CAAS v4.0-2024] underscores CAAS’s dedication to setting industry-leading benchmarks for EMS operations.
- Reorganized Structure for Clarity: The standards have been expanded from two sections to four — Administration, Clinical, Operations, and Special/Other Services — making the document more user-friendly and aligning requirements with agency functions.
- Increased Focus on Safety, Data Security, and Technology: The new standards emphasize vehicle safety, cybersecurity, and advanced technology integration, such as electronic records and technology vulnerability analyses.
- Expanded Coverage of Key Topics:
- Culture of Safety: Introduces standards for fostering safety awareness and minimizing risks across EMS operations.
- Implicit Bias: Addresses bias in healthcare delivery to ensure equitable patient care.
- Leadership Development and Succession Planning: Enhanced focus on cultivating strong organizational leadership.
- Simplified Standards for Specialized Services: Requirements for Specialty Care Transports (SCT), Mobile Integrated Health, and specialty teams are now consolidated under a new section to reduce confusion for agencies that do not offer these services.
- More Comprehensive Clinical Standards: Includes updated requirements for Medical Directors’ roles and expanded guidance for clinical protocols, staff education, and operational practices.
- 147 Individual Standards: Compared to 107 standards in Version 3.0, many standards have been clarified or expanded for improved scoring and easier compliance.
Why CAAS Standards Matter
“ANSI approval affirms that Version 4.0 is not only comprehensive but also adaptable to the diverse needs of EMS organizations,” said Troy Hagen, Chair, CAAS Board of Directors. “It empowers agencies of all sizes and types to achieve the highest standards of care and performance.”
“Compared to state or local regulations, the CAAS Standards go beyond minimum requirements by setting rigorous, consensus-driven benchmarks for clinical quality, operational efficiency, and organizational accountability,” Hagen said.
Transition and Adoption
All CAAS-accredited agencies will be required to transition to Version 4.0 as part of a formal transition process. To assist with the transition, CAAS will provide a copy of the new standards and application to all accredited agencies and current applicants along with detailed transition support materials. CAAS will also provide a range of educational resources, including webinars, workshops, and one-on-one consultations with CAAS experts.
“Our goal is to make the transition to Version 4.0 seamless and beneficial for all accredited agencies,” said Sarah McEntee, Executive Director of CAAS. “These updates will position organizations for success in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.”
About CAAS: Incorporated in 1990, the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) is an independent accrediting agency dedicated to establishing, promoting, and verifying compliance with the highest standards for ambulance services and medical response systems. CAAS aims to benefit the public by ensuring quality mobile patient care through the development and support of EMS organizations in adhering to essential, consensus-driven standards.
About ANSI: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, nonprofit organization that oversees the creation, promulgation, and use of thousands of standards and guidelines across a wide range of industries in the United States. ANSI facilitates voluntary consensus standards to enhance product quality, safety, and interoperability, while also ensuring that U.S. standards are globally recognized.
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