Standard 4.3 regarding AJCC staging has been modified to state that “T, N, M elements and Stage Group are assigned by the managing physician and recorded in a standardized location(s) in the facility’s medical record.”  The original standard required facilities to have a staging form in the medical record and the impact of requiring such a form for many facilities prompted a modification.  This change allows flexibility for facilities, but still achieves the overall goal which is to standardize the location(s) for staging information.  This change in the standard went in to effect January 1, 2005.  For additional information on standards, access www.facs.org/cancer/cannews.html. 

The ACoS-CoC Report was prepared by ACOA/ACoS-CoC liaison, Jeannie O’Leary.  Her role as liaison is to enhance our relationship and collaboration by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, initiatives, critical issues, and actions that impact cancer care, data collection, and research.  We have the opportunity to bring matters of importance for ACOA to the CoC, as well as communicate CoC activities to the ACOA.  If you have input on particular issues regarding credentialing and ACoS standards, please contact Jeannie O’Leary.