Former Joint Commission VP to be COO of Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program

CHICAGO, Ill. — Joseph L. Cappiello has been appointed new chief operating officer of the Chicago-based Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. HFAP is the nation’s oldest hospital accreditation organization.

Cappiello served for 10 years as vice president of field operations at The Joint Commission and brings to HFAP a strong history of accreditation-management experience. His role at HFAP will be to direct the nimble and educative approach to facility accreditation that exemplifies the organization, and to lead the continuing evolution of an accreditation process that meets the challenges of the complex healthcare environment. Cappiello succeeds George A. Reuther, who is stepping down after 25 years of service.

“As a smaller organization, HFAP can provide facilities with both a rigorous assessment and a resource for improvement, should they miss the mark,” said Michael J. Zarski, HFAP CEO. “We are thrilled to have Joe join our team, to help us further our personalized approach to the accreditation process. His caliber and experience will provide great value to HFAP and the facilities we work with.”

Known as an innovative and dynamic leader, Cappiello reorganized the operational structure of accreditation operations at The Joint Commission and made dramatic improvements in the training and operational effectiveness of the surveyor cadre. Spearheading initiatives on emergency management and disaster response, he led evaluation teams to New York City following the attacks of Sept. 11, testified before Congress after Hurricane Katrina, and advised the governments of Israel and Australia on disaster preparedness.

From 2008 to the present, he led his own consultancy to help healthcare facilities improve quality and maintain compliance with accreditation standards. He holds a BSN from the University of Rochester and an MA in Heath Facilities Management from Webster University.

“HFAP is not just as an evaluator, but an educator,” Cappiello said, “which is what first drew me to the organization. It’s also light on its feet – quickly adaptable to the changing quality environment. And it brings a holistic survey process that creates a true partnership with the facilities it serves. I am pleased to be onboard.”

About HFAP
The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program is a nonprofit, nationally recognized accreditation organization. It has been accrediting healthcare facilities for over 60 years and under Medicare since its inception. Its mission is to advance high-quality patient care and safety through objective application of recognized standards. More information on the program can be found at www.hfap.org.