Special to the Reporter

Shelby Sleep Disorders Center at Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

According to information provided by April Holcomb, SBMC marketing and planning director, Dr. Michael G. Connolly Jr directs the center.

&8220;The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates Shelby Sleep Disorders Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorder center,&8221; said Dr. Lawrence J. Epstein, president of the AASM.

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional quality healthcare as designated by the AASM.

The AASM accreditation involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contracts and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves