Visit the ICANL website at: www.icanl.org sponsored in part by Cardinal Health

What is ICANL?
The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL) is a non-profit organization that provides an increasingly renowned method for general nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, and PET facilities to evaluate and demonstrate the level of patient care they provide.

What is the purpose of ICANL accreditation?
ICANL accreditation allows nuclear imaging labs to assess every aspect of their facility’s daily operations with respect to the quality of health care provided to patients and identify and correct potential problems.

Why do I need ICANL accreditation?

ICANL Accreditation offers the following benefits:
		Improves the organization of the laboratory
		Improves standardization of techniques
		Improves quality assurance and correlation
		Peer review recognition as a high quality laboratory
		Demonstrates accountability
		May be linked to reimbursement

Is accreditation mandatory?
In most states, reimbursement directives that require accreditation have been instituted. Please visit www.icanl.org/icanl/reimbursement/policies.htm for a current list of payment policies.

What is involved in the ICANL application process?

The ICANL application process involves many steps including the ones listed below:
		Request The Standards (guidelines and requirements) from ICANL and review
		Make whatever modifications are necessary for your facility to be in compliance
		Complete and submit the application electronically
		ICANL representatives review the completed application
		Random selection for on-site review or paper audit by ICANL appointed inspector
		Accreditation is obtained for three years

How long does it take to complete the application?
Generally, it takes 6 months the first time. Most facilities need to make modifications in protocols, reports, and quality control/quality assurance programs to be compliant with the Imaging Guidelines (JNC, Part 1 and 2) and the ACC/AHA guidelines for stress testing, which ICANL has adopted as their standards.

What fees are associated with ICANL accreditation?

$200 Fee “The Standards” (one-time fee to purchase materials)

$3300 application fee (Nuclear Cardiology, General Nuclear, and PET)

$3800 application fee for Comprehensive Nuclear (including PET and/or Nuclear Cardiology)

All application fees included the site visit, if selected

Once ICANL accreditation is granted, how long does it last?
ICANL accreditation is good for 3 years. Re-accreditation is achieved by completing and submitting a new application for ICANL review 3 months prior to the expiration date.

What are common deficiencies found that would keep a lab from being accredited?
The most common deficiencies found (both from the application and the site visit) are a lack of CME’s from physicians and technologists, poorly written or missing protocols, reports that lack the necessary components per ICANL standards, and a lack or absence of a Quality Assurance program.

What does a site inspector look at during a site inspection?

		Personnel and Staffing
		Physical space and environment
		Equipment and instrumentation
		6-12 months of records and documentation
		Radiation Safety and Policy and Procedure Manuals
		Quality Assurance Program
		Observation of patient care (imaging,dosing, etc.)
		Review of random sample of case studies

Can more than one site be included on the same application?
Yes, there is an application fee of $1,000 per additional site. These additional sites may be included on the same application if the following criteria are met:

		Same Medical Director/RSO at all sites
		Same Technical Director at all sites
		Identical protocols are shared at all sites (policy and procedure manuals)
		All sites must participate in education programs, conferences, and in the Quality Assurance program

How can Cardinal Health assist me in becoming ICANL accredited?
Cardinal Health will provide solutions to obtain accreditation by customizing our accreditation assistance packages to meet the needs of your nuclear cardiology imaging lab.

What services are provided under Cardinal Health’s ICANL Services program?
Cardinal Health offers two levels of service. You select the program that best fits your needs.  Our programs provide such services as protocol writing or editing, review of all programs such as quality control and radiation safety, review of reporting, and complete site inspections of your facility. Our staff of experienced and knowledgeable consultants enables us to combine clinical expertise with full service resources to help increase the likelihood of success in the accreditation process.

Who do I contact at Cardinal Health to get more information?
The local Cardinal Health sales consultant in your region can help you obtain information on the assistance package that best meets your facility’s needs. You may also contact the Accreditation Services division directly at:

	Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy Services, Accreditation Services 7000 Cardinal Place Dublin, OH  43017 E-mail:  GMB-DUB-accreditationservices@cardinalhealth.com Toll Free Accreditation Assistance Helpline:  888-451-4448