What is Accreditation?
When a program or service is CARF-accredited, it means your organization has passed an in-depth review and meets rigorous CARF guidelines for service and quality—a qualified endorsement that it conforms to internationally recognized service standards and is focused on delivering the most favorable results for persons it serves. The human service field, including all stakeholders, develops the standards that are applied on CARF and CARF–CCAC surveys.
Distinctions between certification and accreditation
Certification
- Awarded to a person
- Based on knowledge and instruction
- Involves continuing education
- Affects professional status of the individual
Accreditation
- Awarded to an organization
- Based on service results and standards conformance
- Involves quality improvement mechanisms
Why choose CARF?
CARF accreditation is a seal of approval announcing to persons served and their families that you provide services focused on their needs. It is a sign of assurance to third-party payors and governmental regulators that you have met internationally recognized standards, and it is a tool for quality improvement within your organization.
The value of accreditation is more than a certifi cate hanging on the wall. It is evidence that your organization strives to improve effi ciency, fi scal health, and service delivery—creating a foundation for consumer satisfaction.
Organizations that have participated in an accreditation survey demonstrate:
- A higher degree of internal quality.
- Greater involvement of persons served in their services.
- Increased cohesion among staff members at all levels within the organization.
- Enhanced status of the surveyed services within the community.
When your organization is accredited, the public is assured that you are committed to continually improving the quality of your services and that your organization’s focus is on service outcomes and customer satisfaction.
