What is the current status of the VFAP (Veterinary Facility Accreditation Program)?

On September 14, 2018 the NYSVMS Executive Board voted to suspend the Veterinary Facility Accreditation Program (VFAP).

The program has been less active in recent years, and the documentation and training process would need review.

The Executive Board reviewed options for the program over the past year. They concluded the following:

• Smaller practices valued the program because it helped them follow best-practice and remain compliant with regulations and laws.
• Many larger practices choose accreditation through AHAA.
• There is little evidence to support whether VFAP would be effective in deterring State regulation should the State show any interest.
• The current program serves relatively few of our members
• No other State VMA runs its own accreditation; however, many offer an online support.

Therefore the Board has voted to suspend VFAP indefinitely.

1. In its place we will create an online resource that will include self-assessment tools.
2. We will also look at ways to support members with the self-assessment process and any questions they may have. This could be through volunteers from our membership or potentially through commercial partners who we might turn to for their expertise as we build the online resource.

All existing accredited practices may continue to display the accreditation badge until it expires. 

Expired certificates will not be renewed.

We thank all NYSVMS members for their participation in this program and especially the team of inspectors who contributed so much of their time to create materials and help their colleagues.