Eas·y /ˈēzē/ adjective
1. achieved without great effort, presenting few difficulties.
When a task is labeled as easy, one has fewer worries about complicated rules and instructions of the complex CARF accreditation process. Hiring a CARF accreditation consultant will put the ease back into easy.
The proficiency with which a CARF accreditation consultant will guide an organization does not mean the work is not difficult or challenging, but the experience of the consultant creates a much smoother process. A CARF consultant acts as a guide and project manager, navigating complex standards and developing necessary policies and procedures. In addition, the CARF consulting team will organize documentation, conduct self- evaluations and prepare the mental or behavioral health in-house team for the actual survey.
How CARF Consultants Make Accreditation Easier
Listed below are the highlights of how a CARF consultant makes accreditation easier:
Expertise – A primary factor that facilitates a smooth accreditation survey is the CARF consultant’s deep knowledge of CARF standards and processes, often including experience as a former CARF surveyor. The understanding that a CARF consultant brings to the table assures explanation of CARF processes and procedures, and the “why” of the requirements.
Project Management – To register for and undergo a CARF survey can sometimes take a facility up to a year, requiring planning and management of the many details. Efficient administration includes a CARF consultant who can create and track timelines, assign tasks, and monitor progress to keep the organization on track.
Policy & Procedure Development and Implementation – Accreditation presents a lengthy list of standards and guidelines that service providers must implement to achieve and maintain accreditation. A CARF consultant assists in creating or revising existing policies and procedures to ensure a facility or treatment center meets CARF requirements.
Quality and safety, person-centered care, documentation and record-keeping, continuous improvement and stakeholder involvement are the key focus topics of CARF policies and
procedures.
Gap Analysis – To determine where assistance is needed with a CARF consultant, a thorough self-evaluation and gap analysis identifies areas where the organization needs to improve to meet standards. This structured assessment compares what is in place with CARF standards.
Beginning with the determination of which standards are applicable to an organization, a CARF
consultant will assess the current state of the business, identify gaps, develop an action plan, implement it, and then monitor success over the next six months as indicated on the CARF requirements. Gap analysis helps a facility or program avoid surprises during the accreditation
survey.
Document Organization – This one speaks for itself. The CARF standards manual can be
overwhelming, and a CARF consultants organizes documents systematically according to CARF’s standard sections. A CARF surveyor appreciates a tidy presentation!
Mock Survey — A behavioral health facility will benefit greatly from a Mock Survey. This practice evaluation identifies weaknesses that can be strengthened before the actual survey, boosts staff preparedness, builds teamwork, and will instill confidence in the team. Like Gap Analysis, it will prepare the team for what to expect during the CARF survey.
System Integration — With a CARF Consultant, an organization will be taught to embed CARF standards into daily operations for sustainable compliance, for the time leading up to the survey and long afterwards for re-accreditation.
Resource Provision — Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a task easier. A CARF consultant from PowderHorn Consulting will provide tools such as time-tested templates and checklists to streamline a CARF accreditation survey preparation.
A CARF consultant will walk through the above practices to put an organization on a confident stride to success in CARF accreditation.
FAQ
FAQ’s
What type of experience does a CARF consultant have?
Many CARF consultants currently or in the past have served as CARF surveyors, worked for behavioral or mental health establishments, and sometimes both. This experience provides an enriched perspective to reach the high expectations of CARF accreditation. Check with the CARF consultant agency before hiring to assure valid experience.
How does a Mock Survey help accreditation success?
A mock survey can be announced or unannounced, to simulate an actual CARF accreditation survey. A CARF consultant will perform assessment and inspection of the team to check compliance and readiness. A chief benefit is that a Mock Survey can enhance staff confidence on the actual survey day with the experience of having been interviewed before. Gaps and issues that might be overlooked by an internal team can be addressed and corrected in advance.
What tools does a CARF consultant use to develop policies and procedures?
The CARF Standards Manual is the obvious first device that a CARF consultant uses to assist an organization in developing its policies and procedures. A consultant wants success with the organizations it accredits, so he or she provides CARF-aligned policy and procedure templates that serve as a starting point, ensuring all relevant CARF standards are covered. Document management software, spreadsheets and data analysis kits, forms management, corporate compliance and reporting, as well as feedback and satisfaction devices are included in the CARF consultant’s tool box.
How does a facility obtain client & stakeholder input?
Any company that wants success needs input from clients and stakeholders to provide feedback about its products and services. A CARF consultant can provide appropriate devices to request participation to the appropriate individuals. Some of these methods may include satisfaction surveys and questionnaires, focus groups and interviews, and one-on-one meetings to demonstrate that the organization is properly receiving opinions and positive criticism for the best care possible. Stakeholders include employees, clients and their families, providers, decision-makers and supervisors, and payers.
What are a few CARF well-known policies and procedures?
- Conducting regular satisfaction surveys with clients, employees, and stakeholders.
- Performing quarterly reviews of quality records to maintain compliance.
- Developing and maintaining a risk management plan.
- Conducting emergency and evacuation drills on a scheduled basis.
- Submitting a CARF-required Annual Conformance to Quality Report (ACQR).
- Implementing and documenting a process for continuous quality improvement.
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PowderHorn Consulting is staffed by professionals who have an extensive history as CARF surveyors, with over 1000 surveys completed by the team. In addition, they have served as providers and executives for mental and behavioral health organizations and can assist and answer any questions you may have in the CARF accreditation process.
