Frequently asked questions
CARF accreditation, answered plainly.
The questions organizations ask most before deciding to pursue CARF accreditation, answered by someone who has spent ten years on CARF survey teams.
What is CARF accreditation?
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services providers. Accreditation means an organization has shown, through an on-site survey by peer surveyors, that its programs conform to CARF’s published standards for quality, business practices, and the services themselves. Many state agencies, payers, and funders recognize it as evidence of quality.
What kinds of programs does CARF accredit?
CARF accredits a wide range of community-based services, including aging services, behavioral health and substance use treatment, opioid treatment programs, employment and community services (which covers many adult day and intellectual and developmental disability programs), child and youth services, medical rehabilitation, and vision rehabilitation. The standards manual you use depends on the programs you want accredited.
How long does it take to get CARF accredited?
For a first survey, six to twelve months of preparation is typical. The biggest variables are how much documentation already exists, how many programs and locations are in scope, and whether there is someone internally who can own the work. CARF also expects an organization to have been operating under the standards for a period before the survey, so the practical timeline starts with getting policies and practices in place early.
What does CARF accreditation cost?
There are two parts. The first is what you pay CARF: an application fee and a survey fee that depends on the number of surveyors and survey days, which is driven by your programs and locations. CARF publishes its current fees. The second is your internal cost and any outside help. Wagner Advisory Group quotes every engagement as a fixed fee after a free discovery call, so you know the consulting number before you commit.
What happens during a CARF survey?
A team of CARF surveyors visits for one or more days. They interview leadership, staff, and the people you serve, review policies, plans, personnel files, and service records, and tour your locations. At the end there is an exit conference, followed by a written report with any recommendations.
What are the possible accreditation outcomes?
The outcome most organizations aim for is a Three-Year Accreditation. Other outcomes include a One-Year Accreditation, which signals conformance in many areas with significant work remaining, and Nonaccreditation. The decision rests entirely with CARF International.
What happens after the survey?
If the report includes recommendations, the organization submits a Quality Improvement Plan describing how it will address them. Accredited organizations also file an Annual Conformance to Quality Report during each year of the accreditation. Most organizations lose ground in the years between surveys, which is what a maintenance retainer is for.
What is a mock survey, and do we need one?
A mock survey is a rehearsal under realistic conditions: interviews, document and file review, and an exit conference, followed by a written report of what would likely be cited if the survey happened tomorrow. It is not required, but it is the most reliable way to find files that are hard to produce on demand and to give staff practice being interviewed before it counts.
How is CARF different from The Joint Commission?
Both are respected national accreditors. CARF focuses on community-based health and human services and puts heavy weight on the experience and input of the people served. The Joint Commission is best known for hospitals and health care organizations, though it also accredits behavioral health providers. Which one fits depends on your programs and on what your state, payers, and funders recognize.
Can an active CARF surveyor also be my consultant?
Yes, with clear boundaries. Aaron surveys for CARF in a separate, individual capacity. He never surveys an organization this practice has advised, does not speak for CARF, and has no influence over accreditation decisions. What you get is preparation shaped by someone who knows how surveyors read documentation.
Do you work outside Cincinnati?
Yes. The practice is based in Greater Cincinnati and works regularly across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and Aaron travels anywhere for on-site work.
Can you guarantee our organization will be accredited?
No, and you should be cautious of anyone who does. Accreditation decisions rest solely with CARF International. What we can do is make sure your documentation, evidence, and staff are ready, so the survey reflects the quality of the work you already do.
Still have a question? A free discovery call is the fastest way to get an answer specific to your programs. Book a call, or start with the free readiness self-assessment. Organizations in the tri-state can also see CARF consulting in Cincinnati.