Before You Apply

The ECLS Center Certification Application is a partner document to the ECLS Center Certification Methodology. Applicants should not proceed with the Application without first reviewing this Before You Apply section.

Center Certification Process

The ECLS Center Certification program incorporates a written application and a mandatory site visit. Applicants can expect the Center Certification process to take a minimum of 8 months to complete - up to a year in some cases.

Application

• Applicant Centers will first complete an Application via ELSO.org.
• The ELSO Center Certification Review Committee will determine eligibility for a Site Survey. Notification of Site Survey eligibility will arrive via email approximately 6-8 weeks following Application submission.
• All sections of the Application are mandatory - incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• A non-refundable application fee of $5,000 is due to ELSO prior to application review.
• Application fees are accepted via credit card or invoice.
• If an invoice is needed to pay the Application Fee, please allow up to 4 additional weeks for processing by your institution and ELSO.
• Applicants not selected for a Site Survey will be issued a report from the Center Certification Review Committee noting areas for improvement.

• Eligible Applicants will be required to schedule a Center Certification Site Visit, scheduled in consultation with the Applicant. The Site Visit will occur no more than 4 months from the date the Applicant was notified of Site Visit eligibility.
• Site Visits are conducted by a team of ELSO staff and an expert clinician in ECMO from ELSO's pool of Site Surveyors. The Site Surveyor will be chosen in consultation with the Applicant.
• The Site Visit will be a one-day visit of the Applicant's facility with scheduled conversations to include the ECMO team, hospital/service line leadership, and other relevant parties.
• Please click here to see a sample site visit itinerary.
• Following the Site Visit, the Center Certification Review Committee will prepare a comprehensive report, including a designation of certification (Level 1, 2, or 3), if granted.

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