Drummond Group was recently accredited by ACLASS for our electronic health records (EHR) test lab. Using the international standard of ISO 17025, ACLASS reviewed the quality system of our EHR test lab and confirmed it met the stringent requirements of this specification. ISO 17025 requires testing laboratories to implement and utilize procedures and policies, such as standardized training methods, consistent test procedures and the employment of competent technical personnel, to perform their test services. This accreditation ensures our test lab is performing high quality testing work within our EHR testing.

This accreditation is separate from the ONC requirements of accreditation by NVLAP in order to be a testing laboratory within the ONC Permanent Testing Program. Drummond Group submitted an application to NVLAP in early January 2012 for accreditation for the ONC Permanent Testing Program, and we will be in the first round of on-site accreditation assessments.

Drummond Group chose to pursue 17025 accreditation from ACLASS because of our commitment to producing the highest quality work in the area of health IT testing. We do not view accreditation as simply an extra exercise to complete and then move forward. We recognize it is an excellent means to validate our quality systems in our efforts for continuous improvement.

A 17025 accreditation involves submitting a quality manual along with associated documentation to an accreditor. The accreditor then makes an on-site visit to ask questions, review past testing records and observe actual testing events. Any deficiencies or non-conformities are documented and must be successfully addressed before the accreditor reconvenes and makes a final assessment.

Frankly, it was not an easy process due to the detail of documentation necessary, but we ultimately found it a very beneficial endeavor. Drummond Group will continue moving forward toward maintaining a high quality test laboratory, working with NVLAP to receive our accreditation and becoming a part of the ONC Permanent Program.