Episode 286 - AAAHC v45 and the New AI Standards, Stark Law Reform, the Anesthesia Squeeze, a New ASC Central and Survey Guide, and an Interview with Amanda Penrod - August 19, 2026

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, AAAHC has released v45 of the Standards — with brand-new Artificial Intelligence requirements and a December 15th effective date — and it's a big week around here too: a new ASC Central website, the 2026 Survey Guide, and our September conference week. Then John talks with Amanda Penrod about leading across the generations — how to mentor, retain, and get the best from a team that can span four decades of experience. Grab a coffee and join John and Sue. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: AAAHC Standards and Policy announcements (v45 FAQs and Policies & Procedures): aaahc.org - Standards and Policies AAAHC Achieving Accreditation - walk-through of the v45 Standards; September 14-16, 2026 (virtual) and December 10-11, 2026 (Las Vegas): aaahc.org - Achieving Accreditation FREE digital v45 handbooks for 1095 Engage users - Help Curtain (right-hand side of the screen), under “Released Handbook (Not Yet Effective)” for each program. Print editions available for preorder, delivery expected late September 2026: store.aaahc.org - v45 handbooks AAAHC has released v45 of the Standards - new Artificial Intelligence Standards in the Administration, Governance, and Credentialing & Privileging chapters (transparency, validation, data privacy and security, human oversight, bias mitigation). Effective for surveys conducted on or after December 15, 2026. Log in to 1095 Engage and select the Standards tab in your organization's Profile: 1095.aaahc.org Is Stark law reform finally on the table? - Becker's ASC (August 11, 2026): beckersasc.com 62% of ASCs cancel, delay cases over anesthesia gaps - Becker's ASC (August 14, 2026): beckersasc.com Half of NPs have been burned out for more than 2 years - Becker's ASC (August 12, 2026): beckersasc.com ANNOUNCEMENT - The new ASC Central website is live: asc-central.com What is changing for current members (the old Mighty Networks site stays open through March 31, 2027): asc-central.com - What's Changing Guide ANNOUNCEMENT - The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition - fully revised and expanded: jgoehle.com The 2026 Survey Guide on Amazon: amazon.com - The Survey Guide for ASCs (2026 Edition) ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week, September 22-25, 2026 - Premium Access and AHS Client Access members attend free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Tuesday, September 22 - Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Wednesday, September 23 - Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Thursday, September 24 - Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Friday, September 25 - Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 Leadership training - Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, plus the ASC Leadership Mastery Course: asc-central.com - Leadership Training ASC Leadership Mastery Course - 28-part video course (regulatory, clinical, staffing, financial); structured preparation for the concepts tested on the CASC exam; included with Premium Access or available separately: asc-central.com - Leadership Mastery Course Guest: Amanda Penrod, CEO and founder of RFX Solutions - “Leading Across the Generations.” INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop