American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer  (ACOS-CoC) Liaison Report

At the annual Commission on Cancer's Committee Meetings, the Approvals Committee voted to amend 6 of the 2004 Standards.  With the exception of one, these modifications would be effective January 2006 at which time a revised Manual will be made available with all the standard modifications.  Standard 4.2 requiring an inpatient medical unit or functional equivalent has been amended beginning immediately whereas all programs surveyed during 2004 and 2005 that received deficiencies would receive a communication outlining the available options and to request documentation of the methods to provide inpatient medical oncology services in order to immediately resolve this deficiency.  For further information, visit their Web site at www.facs.org/cancer.

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.