Alaska’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program at ANMC designated by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
May 30, 2019On Jan. 1, Alaska’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program at ANMC became a designated cleft palate team by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). ANMC’s program is the only one in the state to receive this designation. The Commission on Approval of Teams voted to fully approve the ANMC’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program as a Cleft Palate Team (CPT) for a period of five years.
Alaska’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program at ANMC has a long history, going back decades —
it was originally organized by the State of Alaska – but for the last several years has been managed by ANMC. The clinic continues to see all Alaskan families, Native and non-Native.
“ANMC’s support has allowed for growth and development of the team, and it is a testament to its members and the larger organization that we received approval status by the ACPA,” said Dr. Daniel Suver, Medical Director of Alaska’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program at ANMC. “This is a great honor and a recognition of the incredible care we provide every day to patients and families with clefts and associated disorders.”
ACPA created standards for cleft palate teams across the country to ensure coordinated and consistent care for people with cleft palates and cleft lips. The ACPA oversees the Commission on Approval of Teams that is responsible for reviewing applications across North America. Applications take about six months to process; the review includes examining the six different standards, including: team composition, management and responsibilities, patient and family communication, cultural competence, psychological and social services, and outcomes assessment. Receiving the designation allows people to be referred for services from the national association.
ACPA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association of interested individuals and health care professionals who treat and/or perform research on oral cleft and craniofacial conditions. ACPA is unique – it is a multidisciplinary organization of more than 2,400 members who represent more than 30 disciplines in 60 countries and support patients and families to ensure the best outcomes.