PowderHorn Consulting comes alongside all types of rehabilitation facilities to offer various consulting services, but most important are accreditation assistance for The Joint Commission and CARF International.

We provide critical services in the process:

• Accreditation preparation
• Mock surveys
• Accreditation aftercare

Our consultants’ experience in working with the two agencies as well as our proven record of 100% accreditation for our clients makes PowderHorn the right choice for you.

Why you need Accreditation

• Organizational Accountability
• Provider Recognition
• Staff Cohesiveness
• Respectability
• Higher Standards set and met

The PowderHorn consultant’s expertise with all types of organizations – large and small, old and new – brings a collaborative spirit to every CARF accreditation engagement. We work together with clients at all levels of the organization to develop practical solutions that deliver accreditation.

Our role is to create with you the necessary documents to deliver precise accreditation readiness, regarding effectiveness of service, efficiency, health and safety, and accessibility. With a goal to improve services to clients, we conduct a thorough evaluation of what you have, and what you need, in current policies and procedures, including:

• Policy and Procedure Manual
• Quality Assurance Plan
• Corporate Compliance Program
• Risk Management/Strategic Planning Model
• Accessibility
• Information Technology
• Health and Safety Policy and Procedure Manuals
• Customized Assessment and Survey Instruments
• Customized Consumer Handbooks

We focus on readiness and a positive experience, starting consulting 9-12 months before the CARF survey visit. You want to be confident with CARF immediately and our consultants guide and lead you, as they are familiar with the expectations surrounding CARF accreditation standards. We offer onsite visits or virtual video (whatever you are comfortable with), documentation and policy review, and a CARF overview to prepare you for your survey.

Mock surveys, on-site review and technical assistance gives PowderHorn Consulting clients the most efficient way to prepare for a CARF survey. We evaluate your current level of compliance with a comprehensive baseline Organizational Assessment specific to the standards for your organization. This assessment provides the foundation for developing a Customized Survey Preparation Plan for CARF survey readiness, and then we walk through the survey with you.

An organization will benefit from a Mock Survey at various phases:

• Upon initial application for CARF accreditation.
• After the organization undertakes a review of policies, procedures and documentation to conform to CARF standards and has begun implementation, prior to the survey.
• When adding a new program under a currently accredited organization.
• For organizations that have received a one-year accreditation, and are preparing for an accreditation renewal survey visit.

The consultant conducts a survey similar to the actual process, familiarizing your organization with the accreditation survey to pursue the best outcome.

After CARF accreditation, your organization is expected to conform to the specified CARF policies and procedures. With minimal interruption, PowderHorn Consulting can partner with you to retain your good standing of quality care with another accreditation in three years. Here is a sampling of the CARF expectations:

• Semi-annual satisfaction surveys for clients, employees and stakeholders
• Quarterly quality record review
• Analysis of a myriad of CARF-required plans
• Creation of an annual performance analysis
• The CARF-required Annual Conformance to Quality Report (ACQR)
• A regular risk assessment and risk management plan
• Semiannual, unannounced emergency and evacuation drills of six types by site and shift
• Other maintenance issues as described in the CARF standards manual

PowderHorn Consulting collaborates with you and your staff to conform to the ever-changing CARF standards to provide another 3-year CARF accreditation.

Behavioral Health

Behavioral health covers a broad range of mental, health and biological issues, and PowderHorn Consulting guides the full range of providers, from inpatient mental health and addiction facilities to intensive, outpatient family-based services. CARF accreditation represents leadership and accountability in adhering to high-level behavioral health standards and adds value to your organization.

Employment and Community Service

CARF includes employment and community service in its accreditation programs, to encompass work with the Veteran’s Administration and the Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention Program (RRHP) and supported services for veteran’s families.

Child and Youth Services

CARF offers comprehensive accreditation of child and youth services, and PowderHorn Consulting delivers years of experience in executive level and surveyor roles.

In addition, the National Organization of State Association for Children and the Child Welfare League of America join CARF in establishing standards of care for Children and Youth accreditation, by serving on CARF’s International Advisory Council (IAC). The IAC represents the spectrum of CARF’s accreditation services, including persons served, providers, professionals, governmental agencies and purchasers in the health and human services field.