CARF Accreditation is the highest standard for rehabilitative service companies to improve their image and provide high-quality therapies in their communities. 

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Institutions is an international organization that accredits service providers to enhance quality and value for both rehabilitation facilities and the people they serve. 

Accreditation demonstrates a rehabilitation facility's commitment to providing the highest-quality programs and services.

In this article, we understand the importance of accreditation and answer the most wondered question – “What is CARF Accreditation”.

What is CARF Accreditation?

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities is an organization that accredits rehabilitation facilities. It is a non-profit worldwide health and human services accreditor covering aging services, behavioral health, medical rehabilitation, employment and community services, and more. 

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Institution’s certification, like JCAHO accreditation for hospitals, demands a service provider to commit to quality improvement, focusing on the specific requirements of each person served and monitoring the outcomes of those services.

Internal audits, external audits, and onsite surveys by a team of expert practitioners appointed by certification institutions are required as part of the accreditation process to determine whether the provider satisfies a set of rigorous and internationally accepted standards. There are almost 1,500 standards to meet, so it's a thorough and complete examination of all areas of a Community and the services it provides.

This voluntary procedure requires service providers to go above and above to gain accreditation. Accreditation is more stringent than state license, and gaining accreditation confers the industry-exclusive "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval," the gold standard set by the best providers.

Why does accreditation matter?

Accreditation has more value than a competitive advantage for service providers and a framework for continuous quality improvement. Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Institution provides a variety of value-added benefits and numerous distinct advantages to help providers get the most out of their certification investment.

Importance of CARF accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities accreditation can make your program stand out.

• Accreditation ensures that physicians are providing internationally accepted standards of care to their patients; 

• reinforces person-centered standards that emphasize an integrated and individualized approach to services and outcomes; 

• establishes accountability of a commitment to quality to funding sources, referral agencies, and the community; and 

• guides responsible management and professional growth of personnel.

Following certification, a CARF Accredited institution program witnessed a 26% increase in the number of patients they saw each year, a 37% increase in quality standards compliance, and a 37% increase in funding.

How is accreditation achieved?

Accreditation demands a service provider to commit continuous development, focus on the individual needs of each person they serve, and track the outcomes of their services.

The accreditation process for a service provider starts with an internal review of its program and business processes. The supplier then requests an on-site survey, which a team of CARF-selected experts will complete. 

The supplier must demonstrate compliance with a set of stringent and internationally recognized standards during the survey.

After receiving the report, the provider must submit a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to explain how it addresses any areas for improvement. The provider must then submit a report every year during the term of accreditation, including any new improvements made.

Why choose an accredited community?

When a community is CARF accredited, you may be confident that it meets the following criteria:

• Safe 

Accreditation entails assessing safety and ensuring that particular safeguards, such as fall prevention are in place.

• It's comfortable and well-kept.

Each Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities—the certified community must adhere to strict cleaning and comfort guidelines.

• Person-centered care is key.

Accredited communities' caregivers are dedicated to giving the best possible care. And the management team is continually thinking of new methods to improve the care they deliver.

• Certification also signifies that the community is sensitive to ethnic and personal preferences.

Employees at accredited communities understand that everyone comes from a different background. They make sure that each resident is comfortable and that his or her specific needs are satisfied.

To Conclude:

Accreditation implies that the service or program has undergone an in-depth examination of its services and proven considerable compliance to the CARF requirements during an on-site survey. 

The service or program has shown a dedication to providing high-quality services tailored to the client's unique skills, talents, requirements, and preferences. Accreditation and certification have provided a competitive edge to the institutions being certified.