What is HLAC?
HLAC is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of inspecting and accrediting laundries processing healthcare textiles for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. The fee-based inspection process is entirely voluntary. Leading healthcare laundries, both for-profit and non-profit, are seeking HLAC accreditation.

What is HLAC’s mission?
To accredit laundries processing healthcare textiles based on the highest standards for patient safety and infection prevention.

Does it have members?
No. HLAC has a voluntary Board of Directors and a small administrative staff for the day-to-day operations.

Who are the board members?
The 12-member Board of Directors is an independent group of professionals, representing a broad array of expertise including commercial laundry operators, association executives, co-op and on-premise laundry operators, and representatives of federal government organizations.

What does “Accreditation” mean?
HLAC accreditation warrants that a laundry organization that processes healthcare linens has successfully passed an inspection of its facility, policies and procedures, training programs, and its relationships with its healthcare customers. The inspection is based on Accreditation Standards for Processing Reusable Textiles for Use in Healthcare Facilities, 2011 Edition. These Standards have been developed, published, and are based on federal regulations and guidelines, as well as best industry practices. A copy of the Standards is available on the HLAC web site [www.hlacnet.org]. HLAC Accreditation means that the laundry organization has met the Standards published by HLAC.

What do the Standards cover?
The Accreditation Standards for Processing Reusable Textiles for use in Healthcare Facilities, 2011 Edition, cover the complete textile processing cycle, from handling and transporting soiled healthcare textiles, to in-plant processing and delivery back to the customer. The Standards also cover many basic considerations, such as facility layout, personnel training, and customer service. Special attention has been directed to OSHA required practices, including Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Standards. A Part III has been added to the Standards, addressing the surgical pack assembly room and its activities. This section is based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) reference regarding reusable surgical textiles processing.

Is Accreditation by HLAC Required?
Accreditation is an entirely voluntary process.

How much does it cost to become accredited?
The current fee is $5,000 per laundry organization located in the United States and $6,000 per laundry organization located in Canada and Mexico. A non-refundable application fee of $1,000 is due with application and the balance is due prior to the inspection date. A special rate exists for laundry organizations with three or more facilities that are owned by the same organization.

Please refer the HLAC Accreditation Inspection Agreement and the HLAC Accreditation Inspection Process Guide for complete details. Please note: to qualify for this special rate, all applications and deposits must be submitted to HLAC Office at the same time. The Inspector's travel expenses are also the responsibility of the laundry organization and will be charged after the inspection at actual cost.

How long does the inspection take?
The inspection will take one day. The Inspector will provide a brief verbal summary immediately after the inspection, and a formal written report will follow from the HLAC International Office.

How long does accreditation last?
Accreditation is active for a three-year period.

What happens if I fail the inspection?
Please refer to the HLAC Accreditation Inspection Process Guide for complete information and details.

Who are the inspectors?
The HLAC Inspectors are independent contractors who have a wide-range of experience and expertise in the healthcare laundry industry. They possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively process laundry according to established standard processes. HLAC provides the Inspectors with in-depth training regarding the HLAC Standards.