Setting the National Standard for Hyperbaric Safety
Supporting Clinics in Meeting Regulatory Expectations
Setting the Standard for Safe, High-Quality HBOT Facilities
The mission of the National Hyperbaric Safety Association (NHSA) is to advance the safe practice of hyperbaric medicine through education, oversight, and accountability while ensuring that patients, providers, and facilities operate with a shared commitment to oxygen awareness, regulatory compliance, and defined best practices.
What Makes Hyperbaric Medicine “Medicine”?
Oxygen is a Drug
Because oxygen is classified as a drug, hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires medical oversight, appropriate dosing, and adherence to established safety and regulatory standards.
Hyperbaric Chambers Are Medical Devices
Hyperbaric chambers are regulated medical devices that must meet strict manufacturing, maintenance, and operational standards to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Medical Documentation & Accountability
Proper medical documentation and accountability are essential to ensure treatments are appropriate, traceable, and delivered in accordance with established medical and safety standards.
Adverse Events Happen
Adverse events can occur in hyperbaric medicine, making preparedness, proper training, and adherence to safety protocols essential to protect patients and staff.
Regulation Exists Because Risk Exists
In 2025, two horrific hyperbaric incidents occurred that were completely preventable, underscoring the consequences of inadequate oversight, improper equipment, and failure to follow established safety standards. These events were not failures of hyperbaric medicine itself, but failures in how it was implemented.
Safety must remain at the forefront of our industry to protect patients receiving care today, to preserve trust in hyperbaric medicine, and to ensure that future patients who could greatly benefit from treatment are not denied access due to avoidable harm or loss of confidence in the field.
Why Join the National Hyperbaric Safety Association (NHSA)
Joining the NHSA demonstrates a commitment to safety, professionalism, and the responsible advancement of hyperbaric medicine. Membership provides access to trusted resources, guidance, and a community focused on protecting patients, providers, and the integrity of the field.
Education and Ongoing Professional Development
Supports continuous learning through access to training and resources that keep teams informed and prepared.
Regulatory Awareness and Compliance Support
Helps clinics understand and navigate regulatory expectations to reduce risk and maintain responsible operations.
Protecting Patients & Future of Hyperbaricss
Strengthens public trust by prioritizing safety and accountability, preserving access to hyperbaric care for future patients.
Commitment to Safety and Best Practices
Demonstrates a proactive commitment to safe operations by aligning with recognized standards that protect patients, staff, and facilities.
NHSA Membership Eligibility
The National Hyperbaric Safety Association welcomes individuals and organizations who are committed to protecting the field of hyperbaric medicine and advancing safe, ethical, and effective care. Membership is open to clinics, providers, technicians, administrators, manufacturers, inspectors, and others involved in hyperbaric operations, provided the following standards are upheld.
Membership Criteria:
Commit to Patient
Safety First
Place patient safety above convenience, cost, or marketing, and support evidence-informed hyperbaric practices.
SAfety First, Efficacy Second!
Use Approved Hyperbaric Equipment
Operate or promote only FDA-cleared hyperbaric chambers intended for human occupancy, with chambers additionally compliant with ASME and PVHO-1 standards.
List of approved chambers available.
Maintain Appropriate
Medical Oversight
Ensure hyperbaric treatments are provided under medical oversight. Facility owners must have a designated medical director responsible for clinical protocols and patient appropriateness.
Require Prescriptions
for Treatment
All hyperbaric oxygen treatments must be prescribed by a licensed medical provider, with prescriptions written for each patient and treatment plan.
Ensure Proper
Training & Competency
Technicians must be trained or actively pursuing recognized hyperbaric training. Members commit to ongoing education appropriate to their role.
Follow Established
Safety Protocols
Adhere to accepted hyperbaric safety policies, including emergency procedures, equipment maintenance, patient screening, and operational checklists.
Respect Regulatory &
Local Authority Guidance
Comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including fire code requirements and inspections relevant to hyperbaric facilities.
Cooperate With Safety
Review and Accountability
Engage in good-faith cooperation with safety reviews, incident reporting, and corrective actions when necessary.
Uphold the Integrity of Hyperbaric Medicine
Act in a manner that protects the credibility, accessibility, and long-term viability of hyperbaric medicine for current and future patients.
NHSA membership is free. As a nonprofit organization, we welcome donations when possible and are primarily supported through our education and training programs.
Donate to NHSA
Oxygen Aware
One-time Donation
$150
501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Contribution
Advancing Safety in Hyperbaric Medicine
Protecting Patients and Providers
Access to the NHSA Research Library
Regulatory and Safety Newsletter
Dive Deeper
One-time payment
$500
501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Contribution
Helps fund education, resources, and initiatives that promote safer hyperbaric practices nationwide.
Early Access to Educational Resources
Defined Safety Criteria and Best Practices
Supersaturated Impact
Monthly Donation
$150
501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Contribution
Helps safeguard public trust and ensure hyperbaric medicine remains accessible and responsibly practiced.
Guidance From the NHSA Team
Discounts on NHSA Training Programs
It’s Time to Stand for Safety in Hyperbaric Care
Protect Hyperbaric Medicine. Start Here.
Stories of Success
Oxygen Heals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Hyperbaric Safety Association (NHSA)?
The NHSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safety in hyperbaric medicine through education, oversight, accountability, and defined best practices.
What is the primary mission of the NHSA?
Our mission is to protect patients, providers, and the integrity of hyperbaric medicine by promoting oxygen awareness, regulatory compliance, and safe clinical operations.
Who can join the NHSA?
Membership is open to anyone committed to protecting the field of hyperbaric medicine, including clinics, providers, technicians, administrators, manufacturers, inspectors, fire marshals, and industry professionals who agree to uphold NHSA safety standards.
Is NHSA membership free?
Yes. NHSA membership is free. As a nonprofit organization, we welcome donations when possible and are primarily funded through education and training programs.
Does NHSA membership provide certification?
No. Membership alone does not provide certification. Certifications are issued only through completion of designated NHSA training programs that meet specific educational and competency requirements.
What are the requirements for hyperbaric chambers used by members?
Members must commit to using FDA-cleared hyperbaric chambers intended for human occupancy. Chambers must also meet ASME and PVHO-1 standards where applicable.
Is medical oversight required for NHSA-affiliated facilities?
Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment. Facilities must operate under medical oversight, and treatments must be prescribed by a licensed medical provider.
Are prescriptions required for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Yes. NHSA members agree that every patient receiving HBOT must have a prescription written by a licensed medical provider as part of an appropriate treatment plan.
Do technicians need formal training?
Hyperbaric medicine involves pressurized environments and high concentrations of oxygen, which introduce unique risks. Strong safety standards are essential to prevent avoidable incidents and protect the field.
Why is hyperbaric safety such a focus?
Hyperbaric medicine involves pressurized environments and high concentrations of oxygen, which introduce unique risks. Strong safety standards are essential to prevent avoidable incidents and protect the field.
How does NHSA differ from other hyperbaric organizations?
NHSA is uniquely focused on safety, risk prevention, and accountability across all hyperbaric settings, including clinical, wellness, and emerging applications.
What happened in 2025 that influenced NHSA’s work?
In 2025, two catastrophic hyperbaric incidents occurred that were entirely preventable. These events reinforced the need for stronger education, oversight, and adherence to established safety standards.
Does NHSA support wellness and non-hospital hyperbaric facilities?
Yes. NHSA supports all hyperbaric settings, provided they commit to safe practices, approved equipment, medical oversight, and proper training.
How can members contribute to NHSA’s mission?
Members contribute by following best practices, promoting safety culture, participating in education, sharing feedback, and helping raise awareness of responsible hyperbaric care.
How do I get involved?
You can join NHSA, participate in training programs, attend educational events, and help advocate for safety and accountability in hyperbaric medicine.
National Hyperbaric Association
© Copyright 2026 NHSA | All rights reserved
Email Us: [email protected]