A team of physicians and other care providers who specialize in serving patients with cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial disorders has earned Craniofacial team approval from the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA). Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Craniofacial Center team is one of 200 Approved Teams in the U.S. and Canada that have been recognized for meeting the Standards of Team Care for Cleft and Craniofacial Teams.
The ACPA Team Approval process ensures that cleft and craniofacial care is provided in a coordinated and consistent manner, follows the proper sequence and takes place within the framework of the patient’s overall developmental, medical and psychological needs. Teams are comprised of experienced and qualified professionals who work in an interdisciplinary and coordinated system to provide strong and reliable communication between team members, families and referring providers.
The team’s reapproval is effective starting January 1, 2024 for five years.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Craniofacial Center is listed as a team on the ACPA website and is available for the general public to reference when choosing a provider for cleft and craniofacial healthcare needs. View the list here: https://acpacares.org/find-a-care-team.
The Commission on Approval of Teams was established in November 2008 to manage an approval process to facilitate the improvement of team care. ACPA Team Approval is an independent process that ensures accurate information can be provided to patients and families. Approval by the Commission does not imply endorsement of the quality of treatment or services provided by any member of the approved team. Though the Commission does not approve teams internationally, the website also lists teams from around the world as a resource. For more information, visit https://acpacares.org/commission-onapproval-of-teams.
About the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association of individuals and healthcare professionals who are interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions. Since 1943, ACPA has worked to optimize outcomes for individuals with oral cleft and craniofacial conditions through education, support, research, advocacy and interdisciplinary team care. ACPA also provides information to affected individuals and families and seeks to educate the public about facial differences through ACPA Family Resources. For more information, please visit https://acpacares.org.