Quality Improvement for Institutions
www.cvquality.acc.org
  1. Home
  2. News

What's New at NCDR and ACC Accreditation Services

Stay up to date with the latest news from ACC NCDR and Accreditation Services, where data, accreditation and collaboration come together to drive meaningful improvements in cardiovascular care.

Celebrating Ten Years of Excellence

As ACC NCDR and Accreditation Services celebrates 10 years together, we reflect on a decade of progress, collaboration, and measurable improvement in cardiovascular care. Together with our partners, we remain focused on driving innovation, quality, and better outcomes for patients nationwide.

New Accreditation Designation

10 Years Together

NEW Chest Pain Center Accreditation Cardiogenic Shock Designations!

New standards focused on early recognition and escalation of cardiogenic shock. Presales will be available in late spring 2026. Stay tuned for tools and resources to support your planning.

News Stories and Journal Scans

Explore the latest ACC NCDR and Accreditation articles and stay informed about updates, insights and key developments.

CMS Proposes Updates to TAVR National Coverage Determination

View Article

ACC Streamlines Cardiac Accreditation for Hospital Systems

View Article

ACC HeartCARE Center Designation Hits 100 Hospital Milestone

View Article

NCDR Study: Prevalence and Outcomes of PCI Performed at Facilities Without On-Site Cardiac Surgery

View Article

NCDR Study: Off-Label Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions Demonstrate Reduced Residual TR, Improved QOL

View Article

QI.PI Project Grant Recipient Develops Digital Biomarker for PAD Screening


View Article

Stay Connected to Quality and Practice Excellence

U.S. News and World Report

In the 2026 U.S. News and World Report "Best Hospitals" issues annual ad insert, the ACC recognizes the more than 2,000 hospitals, health systems and centers participating in NCDR and/or Accreditation Services.

 

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

The ACC CV Quality SmartBrief eNewsletter is a free, twice-weekly briefing for health care stakeholders interested in quality care.

Learn more about the ACC CV Quality SmartBrief and subscribe.

Connect Through DocMatter

ACC members can deepen their engagement through DocMatter, the College's exclusive, secure online community. DocMatter connects over 65,000 cardiovascular professionals to provide a trusted space to exchange insights, discuss clinical and operational challenges, and stay informed about ACC NCDR and Accreditation programs and initiatives.

ACC members can access DocMatter as part of their membership.

From The ACC

Explore the latest news and insights from the American College of Cardiology shaping cardiovascular quality, care delivery, and accreditation.

  • Many infection-related hospital sepsis cases preventable

    A study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that 79% of hospital-onset sepsis cases are infection-related, with respiratory infections as the primary source. The study reviewed 250 cases from nine hospitals and found that 31% of infection-related sepsis cases could have been prevented. The study was published in JAMA Network Open. Medscape (9/22) Learn More

  • Environmental cleaning in ORs needs a team approach

    Operating room teams can improve environmental cleaning by adopting a team approach, says Karen deKay, a nurse and infection preventionist. DeKay, lead author of the updated Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Guideline for Environmental Hygiene, highlights common gaps in cleaning during turnover, such as missed surfaces and shortened disinfectant contact times. DeKay recommends that teams follow disinfectant instructions, work from clean to dirty areas and use new materials for each room. Ongoing education and clear responsibilities among perioperative staff members, infection prevention employees, environmental services and facilities are essential for maintaining high standards. Infection Control Today (9/23) Learn More

  • Vaginal estrogen cuts UTI risks in menopausal women

    A study of nearly 2 million women found that vaginal estrogen significantly reduces hospitalizations, sepsis and deaths from urinary tract infections in menopausal women, yet the treatment remains underused. The study found that women 55 and older who received vaginal estrogen were half as likely to be hospitalized with a UTI as those who were not prescribed it, and their rates of sepsis and death were much lower. USA Today (9/22) Learn More

  • Strategies for reducing healthcare's carbon footprint

    Healthcare systems can lower their carbon footprint through practical measures such as switching to oral medications when possible, recycling water and encouraging public or bicycle transportation, says Dr. Ernst Kuipers, former Dutch health minister. "Even if you're only interested in the finances and not in anything else, it's very smart to actually also rethink the way we're doing many things because it turns out that we don't have to give in on quality of care," Kuipers says. MobiHealthNews (9/21) Learn More

  • Administration cites fraud in cutting ACA coverage

    The administration has removed 750,000 enrollees from Affordable Care Act plans, saying that many received subsidies they were not eligible for and that some enrollees did not exist, but the administration did not say how those people were informed. An additional 419,000 people are under scrutiny for potentially being improperly enrolled, the vice president said. NBC News (9/22) Learn More

  • Video: Why workforce should be seen as a business issue

    Stephanie Mercado of the National Association for Healthcare Quality discusses why workforce capability should be considered a strategic business issue, and what health care leaders need to know as they plan for the future of employment in the sector. Mercado also touches on adding artificial intelligence tools to existing workflows. Modern Healthcare (tiered subscription model) (9/21) Learn More

  • Following protocols doesn't always ensure patient safety

    Patient safety systems often measure whether actions are completed rather than if interventions achieve their intended outcomes, writes consultant Jim Arbogast. This reliance on process measures can lead to a false sense of security, especially in hand hygiene, where compliance does not always equate to effective microbial reduction. Chief Healthcare Executive (9/23) Learn More

Temp Styles

American College of Cardiology: 2400 N St. NW, Washington DC 20006