BY Tom Sefcik, ACSW, MBA
What it Means to be CARF Accredited
Receiving CARF accreditation is showing a community that an organization has a commitment to quality standards in serving its clients. The accreditation is proof that the agency has gone through a rigorous process of a survey to check policies and procedures that are up to a high standard set by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
It benefits both the organization seeking accreditation and those seeking services there when accreditation is received.
How CARF accreditation improves an agency
CARF accreditation will improve an agency by requiring it to conform to a standardized set of operating procedures. These more organized sets of policies and plans will help the organization run more smoothly and efficiently, saving money and allowing staff to provide superior service to its clients. In addition, employees working together towards accreditation will foster a greater sense of teamwork within the organization for better results as well.
Quality assurance and risk management, both important to be in a healthy state for proper business functioning, will improve primarily because of the extra attention that they both receive during the CARF survey. Accreditation can reduce the amount of risk an agency may be exposed to in human resources, healthcare, governance and finance. Also, but not necessarily less important is the transparency shown to your stakeholders by pursuing accreditation.
When a survey occurs, it’s a good idea to invite investors, board members, community leaders and even clients to the initial survey orientation. This shows that you are invested in your community and shows your willingness to be reviewed. CARF accreditation meets the fulfillments of licensure laws and third party payments and connects the organization to an international network of organizations committed to quality service.
CARF is not out to damage an organization with strict compliance with every regulation but to assist a service provider in offering the best service to its patients. Going through the process of accreditation means that an agency has undergone a site review to offer the highest level of organizational effectiveness and efficiency as possible. With accreditation comes fiscal savings, as CARF accreditation is a sign of financial stability in the view of financial institutions, investors, insurance carriers, and ratings agencies. It shows due diligence on the part of the organization that is accredited.
How CARF accreditation serves the community
With CARF accreditation, all of the benefits to the organization including more efficiency, teamwork, quality assurance and community transparency can only help the agency or facility. A CARF accredited agency will give peace of mind to the citizens desiring services for themselves or a referral to a friend or family member. It will also give confidence to physicians and other practitioners in the area that they are sending
their patient to an accredited facility.
The CARF seal of approval received upon accreditation highlights the agency as a trustworthy facility. The CARF organization stands for continuous quality improvement with a focus on the satisfaction of those served. That value of CARF accreditation can be promoted by your agency as another reason for your clients to come to you for services.
PowderHorn Consulting is staffed by professionals who have served as providers, executives on treatment organizations and have an extensive history as CARF surveyors and can assist and answer any questions you may have in the CARF accreditation process.