Announcing the Release of MBSAQIP Standards

We are pleased to announce the release of the ACS/ASMBS standards for the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). We appreciate the time and consideration you gave in reviewing and commenting on the standards as we worked to develop the guiding document for our joint accreditation program.  The ASMBS strongly believes in the value of accreditation in metabolic and bariatric surgery and looks forward to continued advances of this accreditation program as we work together to improve the safety and care of our patients. The standards release is only the first step. More initiatives will come this year including center-specific risk-adjusted data, enhanced verification process, and quality improvement initiatives. More specific information regarding the transition of your center to the new standards and application timeline for new centers can be seen below from MBSAQIP. Again, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the society and our patients.

Sincerely,

Ninh Nguyen, MD, FASMBS, ASMBS President
John Morton, MD, FASMBS, ASMBS President Elect
Jaime Ponce, MD, FASMBS, ASMBS Past President
Raul Rosenthal, MD, FASMBS, ASMBS Secretary/Treasurer


The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) is pleased to present the Resources for Optimal Care of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patient 2014 standards document.  These standards are the culmination of a collaborative effort between the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).  This resource document describes the standards and pathways for accreditation of metabolic and bariatric surgery centers.  Under the MBSAQIP standards, new levels of accreditation have been established that allow for greater participation by a broader range of metabolic and bariatric centers in this national accreditation and quality improvement effort.

For currently accredited centers, the MBSAQIP is in the process of reviewing center-specific data entered into the MBSAQIP Clinical Data Registry to determine center volume and case mix (stapling vs. non-stapling). Based on this information, centers will be matched to the most appropriate MBSAQIP designation level. In the next few weeks, centers will receive an individualized letter with their assigned designation level and an outline of next steps for the center to follow.  Centers will have the opportunity to review their given designation and to provide additional information to the MBSAQIP should they believe that an alternate designation level would be more accurate.

Please note that ASMBS BSCOE and ACS BSCN centers that are presently undergoing re-accreditation should continue following that process. These centers will also receive a letter informing them of their proposed designation level and outlining their next steps.

MBSAQIP plans to open the application process for centers that are new to bariatric accreditation in late March or early April.  Further information will be forthcoming and will be made available on the MBSAQIP and ASMBS websites.

The ACS and ASMBS appreciate your continued cooperation and support during this next phase of the unified program and look forward to working with you to further your center’s efforts toward offering high quality, patient-centered metabolic and bariatric care.

For further information about MBSAQIP, please visit the MBSAQIP website at www.mbsaqip.org, or E-mail: mbsaqip@facs.org.