Naples, Fla. – March 30, 2026 – Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has been awarded full accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), a distinction that recognizes the highest standards in protecting the rights, safety and well-being of individuals participating in research.
The accreditation, granted for a three-year period following review by AAHRPP’s Council on Accreditation at its March 2026 meeting, affirms NCH’s commitment to ethical research practices and a robust infrastructure supporting clinical research across the organization.
AAHRPP accreditation is considered the gold standard for human research protection programs and reflects rigorous evaluation of an organization’s policies, procedures and safeguards designed to ensure participant safety, regulatory compliance and continuous quality improvement.
“At NCH, our focus is not only on delivering exceptional care today, but on advancing the future of medicine in a way that is safe, ethical and patient-centered,” said Paul Hiltz, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCH. “This accreditation reinforces our commitment to conducting research with integrity while protecting those who place their trust in us.”
To achieve accreditation, NCH demonstrated comprehensive protections for research participants, including institutional oversight, informed consent processes, independent review through an Institutional Review Board (IRB), and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with federal regulations and ethical standards. The process also evaluates organizational culture, requiring a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and accountability across all levels of the institution.
The recognition positions NCH among a select group of healthcare organizations globally that have met AAHRPP’s rigorous standards, further strengthening its ability to attract high-quality research partnerships, expand clinical trial opportunities and deliver innovative care to the region.
As NCH continues to grow its research program, the accreditation serves as a foundation for advancing new discoveries while ensuring that patient safety and trust remain at the center of every effort.
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