Skin Synthesis, a Seattle-based medical spa is officially the first medspa in the world to receive accreditation from QUAD A (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), the globally recognized gold standard for patient safety in healthcare
The news follows the launch of QUAD A's non-surgical aesthetic and wellness accreditation program this past March and marks a critical shift in an industry that has grown without consistent regulation, standardized protocols, or enforceable safety benchmarks.
Related: Quad A Launches Medspa Accreditation Program
Skin Synthesis founder and medical director Jennifer Hartley, ACNP, pursued accreditation to bring a higher level of safety, structure, and accountability into aesthetic medicine.
"This isn't just a milestone for our clinic, it's a shift in how this industry operates," said Jennfier. "For years, aesthetic medicine has lacked a clear, enforceable standard for safety. Now there's a benchmark, and practices will be measured against it."
What It Took to Become the First
Achieving QUAD A accreditation required a comprehensive operational audit across the clinic. The process included:
Building and formalizing extensive policies and procedures
Implementing structured staff training and competency standards
- Establishing detailed safety protocols, documentation, and audit systems
- Upgrading medical supplies, emergency readiness, and facility organization
- An on-site assessment of the facility by a trained surveyor with experience in outpatient healthcare.
Skin Synthesis achieved full compliance with zero citations.
According to QUAD A Chief Executive Officer Thomas Terranova, JD, MA, MBA while the process of getting accredited by QUAD A is rigorous it's very attainable, and the benefits of implementing the requirements are numerous.
"I used to tell facilities that accreditation is simple but not easy, said Thomas. "The expectations are clear and achievable, but they take discipline to sustain."
