Communication is key to achieving compliance.

An interview with Alise Howlett, adviser for life-safety, physical environment and emergency management standards with nonprofit organization Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) in the U.S., is presented. Topics of the interview include work experience at SwedishAmerican Health System in Rockford, Illinois, the emphasis of HFAP on providing and educational environment when performing accreditation surveys on health facilities, and the significance of communication to compliance.