Patients and Families

What FACT Accreditation Means To Patients and Their Families

Patients with leukemia, lymphoma or other life-threatening disease or other blood disorders need the most effective care to improve and prolong their lives. FACT accreditation is the threshold for excellence in cellular therapy including blood and marrow or cord blood transplant. FACT-accredited organizations voluntarily seek and maintain FACT accreditation through a rigorous process, demonstrating their belief that patient needs are paramount. Receiving care from a cellular therapy organization within the prestigious community of FACT-accredited organizations can make you confident that you are in good hands.


This voluntary accreditation is based upon compliance with the most comprehensive standards in the field, verified by rigorous peer-reviewed inspections. On-site inspections are carried out by a team of inspectors who are qualified by training and experience and perform cellular therapy functions in their daily practice.

  • Accredited programs have the experience required to understand and provide for the unique needs of hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplant patients.
  • Medical Directors and program personnel meet FACT educational and experience requirements.
  • Clinical programs transplant a requisite number of patients annually.
  • Collection facilities perform a requisite number of cell collection procedures annually.
  • Cell transplantation is performed in accordance with policies for the safe administration of cells as required for optimum patient care.
  • Accredited programs utilize processes guided by quality management systems.
  • Review, approval, and training requirements ensure processes are appropriate and that personnel understand the duties required of them.

International Standards

FACT-JACIE International Standards are developed through the collaboration and input of the most knowledgeable minds in cellular therapy. The Standards are drafted by panels of the leading experts in the field of cellular therapy, many of whom who are the researchers and innovators who are responsible for advancing the field. Input from the wider transplant community and the public is actively sought.

Recognition in the Field

Accredited programs maintain the confidence of medical professionals, third-party payers, and regulators in the quality of the organization’s cellular therapy services. FACT accreditation is a factor in the ranking of “America’s Best Hospitals,” and “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals,” published annually by U.S. News and World Report. Among the 10 cancer care centers ranked as best in the United States, all are FACT accredited.

Experience

FACT accreditation is embraced by the overwhelming majority of transplant programs. More than 90% in the United States are FACT accredited. FACT inspectors are experts in the field of cellular therapy.

Insurance Coverage

Major third-party payers require FACT accreditation for cost reimbursement or for “center of excellence” designation.

How can patients find FACT-accredited organizations?

Access the Accredited Organization Search to view the official listing of FACT-accredited organizations and read more details regarding the criteria for cellular therapy and cord blood accreditations awarded by FACT. 

Where can patients find additional information related to cell therapy transplantation?

Our Education and Resources page for Patients and Families provides information on donor registries, cord blood banking and donations, clinical trials and access to cell therapies, or general information and support.