North American Association for Ambulatory and Urgent Care

The North American Association for Ambulatory and Urgent Care (NAAAUC) was a professional trade organization that played a foundational role in the development of the outpatient healthcare sector. Established in the early 1980s, the association focused on the unique operational and clinical needs of ambulatory care centers and the then-emerging urgent care industry. It provided a platform for establishing industry standards, offering professional certification, and facilitating the exchange of best practices among healthcare administrators. The organization was instrumental in advocating for the recognition of urgent care as a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Over time, the association's functions were integrated into broader organizations such as the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and the Urgent Care Association (UCA). Today, it is recognized as a pioneer in the formalization of non-hospital-based acute care services.