What is CARF?

Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services in the following areas:

• Aging Services
• Behavioral Health
  • Opioid Treatment Programs
• Business and Services Management Networks
• Child and Youth Services
• Employment and Community Services
  • Vision Rehabilitation
• Medical Rehabilitation
  • DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies)

The CARF family of organizations currently accredits more than 50,000 programs and services at 23,000 locations. More than 8 million persons of all ages are served annually by 6,700 CARF-accredited service providers.

CARF accreditation extends to countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Structure of CARF

Eleven elected members of the CARF Board of Directors approve policies regarding standards development and the accreditation process and fiscal matters governing the operation of CARF. The board’s composition reflects individuals whose expertise, experience, and perspectives are invaluable to CARF’s business interests and success:

• Board Chair: Kayda Johnson, Solana Beach, California
• Susanne M. Bruyère, Ph.D., CRC, Ithaca, New York
• Thomas J. Buckley, Ed.D., Hollywood, Florida
• Karen Chastain, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Richard Forkosh, Manchester, Missouri
• Richard Forkosh of United Cerebral Palsy Heartland receives National Leadership Award
• Marvin Mashner, West Point, Pennsylvania
• Paul Nathenson, RN, ND, Lincoln, Nebraska
• D. Sharon Osborne, Seattle, Washington
• Robert H. Short, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Sherry Wheelock, Clermont, Florida
• Herb Zaretsky, Ph.D., New York City, New York

CARF Canada is governed by a board of directors:

• Board Chair: Brian J. Boon, Ph.D., Tucson, Arizona
• H. Stanley Eichenauer, M.S.W., M.Div., Dayton, Ohio

CARF also benefits from national associations and individuals joining together in support of the value of accreditation through membership in the International Advisory Council (IAC). These member associations and individuals represent a broad range of expertise and specialties. They support CARF’s mission, vision, core values, and purposes by providing input on standards and related matters.