the data once more in two or three years, According to the CoC, an inclusive approach was taken with the goal of providing the maximum number of patients with the option to go to an accredited facility. In June 2017 the ACS issued a press release stating that the NAPRC is accepting applications. Accreditation requires previous CoC accreditation, an on-site visit, and records showing that NAPRC standards have been in place for no less than twelve months. The chair of the NAPRC is Steven D. Wexner, MD. The vice chair is James W. Fleshman, Jr., MD. Standards One of the main requirements of maintaining NAPRC accreditation is having multidisciplinary teams, i.e., the establishment and use of teams that include not only the surgeon, but also representatives from pathology, radiology, imaging, and medical oncology. This is similar to the existing National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancer, which various facilities already have in place. This team model is based on European standards of care and medical practice, and it entails collaboration by team members on decisions regarding therapy and all aspects of surgical treatment. When these multidisciplinary teams were put into place in Europe, they saw improved outcomes for patients as well as a decrease in recurrence rates and an increase in overall survival rates. Another main requirement is the use of synoptic rather than narrative reporting. According to the American College of Surgeons, synoptic reports have been shown to collect 99 percent of critical patient data, while narrative reports typically capture less than 50 percent, according to studies on the subject. When patients are provided with specific checklists and questions, they report significantly more details which may be pertinent to future care. Overall there are 22 different standards in the accreditation program, which each fall into one of three categories: program management, clinical services, or quality improvement. These were tested at six hospitals prior to being finalized. Accredited programs The NAPRC began accepting applications in July 2017. As of June 2018, the following institutions have completed the full survey process to receive accreditation: John Muir Health Rectal Program in Walnut Creek and Concord, CA Cleveland Clinic Weston Rectal Cancer Program in Weston, FL References Healthcare accreditation organizations in the United States Cancer organizations based in the United States