Resource Overview
- The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Emergency Department Accreditation Program recognizes EDs that deliver high-quality, evidence-based care, including integration of Pediatric Readiness into clinical practice and systems.
- The program uses a structured review process to evaluate protocols, education, and QI efforts, helping EDs identify gaps and strengthen care for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Accreditation provides national recognition and supports ongoing QI, including advancing Pediatric Readiness and improving outcomes for children in the emergency setting.
- Participation may involve fees; check with each organization for current requirements and costs.
How to Use This Resource
- Explore ACEP accreditation as an option to support broader ED quality and Pediatric Readiness goals.
- Use the standards to identify opportunities to strengthen systems, staffing, and care processes.
- Engage multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement a Pediatric Readiness action plan.
The ACEP Emergency Department Accreditation Program establishes standards for high-quality emergency care, staffing, and patient safety, helping hospitals demonstrate commitment to excellence in emergency medicine.
By embedding pediatric criteria, this accreditation recognizes EDs that provide safe, efficient, and well-supported environments for all patients, including children.
About the Pediatric Criteria
About the Pediatric Criteria Reviewing Pediatric Readiness status at least every two years, including participation in the NPRP Assessment (www.pedsready.org). The ED must document the review and develop action plans to address any identified deficiencies.
- Having a system to select indicators for tracking performance improvement for critical illness and injury conditions in adults and children and a system to identify variance in performance.
- Having a qualified emergency physician and/or pediatric emergency physician available onsite 24/7/365.
- Having a hospital disaster plan that includes a plan for adult and pediatric patient surge to the ED.
- Having a policy that specifies that patients’ weights are recorded in kilograms.