Extending the Reach of Quality With CARF Accreditation

Abstract

Accreditation is a common method to assess quality and plan for improvements in the delivery of health and human services. CARF accreditation was established to create standards of quality for specialty programs in rehabilitation and for community-based services. Since its inception, the person-served has uniquely been the focus of standards design, with specificity to program-based standards that address “person-centered” service needs. As a quality improvement model, CARF's standards are referenced as typical to another respected quality assessment and improvement model, ISO standards. The importance of ensuring a person's served focus in the health and human service industry is discussed with benefits of a peer review accreditation system and experience of accreditation based on CARF customer feedback and those served. It is posited that long-term growth for accreditation and CARF's mission, to “enhance the lives of persons served through a consultative accreditation process,” will sustain CARF's global acceptance and contribute to improving lives in our communities.