Team Approval FAQ

Applications are due August 25, 2020. Due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, renewing teams may request a one-year deferral. If a deferral is granted, the teams will be required to submit a self-audit report and team listing fee in the fall of 2020.  If deferred teams apply in 2021 and are approved, the approval period will be for a period of four years, instead of the usual five. Complete the deferral request form.

The application period opens each year in the spring and all teams are encouraged to apply.  Renewing ACPA Approved Teams should reapply during the final year of their five-year approval period. 

The Commission approves teams for five years. Approved teams will be invited to reapply during the final year of their approval period.

ACPA Approved Teams must complete an Annual Self-Audit Report to attest to their continued compliance with The Standards for Approved Teams. The 2020 annual listing fee of US$180 is due along with the self-audit.

There is a non-refundable initial application fee of US$270.00 in 2020. If a team is approved, this fee will count as the team’s first year listing fee. The 2021 annual listing fee will be US$185.00. Team fees cover the administration of the ACPA Team Approval program.

Applications containing Protected Health Information may be charged a US$125.00 penalty fee. Please see the below question for details.

For HIPAA compliance purposes, in a process HIPAA calls de-identification, applying teams are required remove all patient identifying information before submitting an application. Identifying information for patients, relatives, and household members includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Names
• Geographic subdivisions smaller than a state (city, school, mailing address, etc)
• Telephone and Fax numbers
• Email addresses
• All birth dates, death dates, admission dates, and discharge dates. The year should remain unredacted.
• Full face photographs
• Social security numbers
• Medical record numbers
• Account numbers
• Any other unique numbers, codes, or characteristics that can be linked to an individual

Applications containing any patient identifying information will not be reviewed and will be returned for redactions. If an application is returned a second time, an additional US$125.00 fee will be due upon resubmission.

Contact the ACPA National Office.

Teams will be contacted by August 30 if additional materials are needed to support the application. Teams will be notified of their approval status in the late fall.

The person with overall responsibility of the administrative unit under which the team operates is the authorizing individual. Some examples:

• President or CEO of the hospital
• Dean of the university school or department
• President or Board Chair of a corporation