In today’s wired and tech-savvy world, we belong to an era of individuals that are finally learning to do their homework. With the integration of technology into nearly every aspect of our lives, rarely will we go to a new restaurant or make a large purchase without first reading reviews online, let alone make a choice about what organization to entrust with something as important as our sobriety, or journey towards improved mental health. Carefully researching and selecting our options are essential steps to finding the services that fit our needs.  

Often, we look to trusted reviewers to help us make these types of high-stakes decisions and want to be ensured that we are in good hands each step along the way. While deciding where next to eat, or whether or not to buy that new air fryer, there requires some thought and planning, decisions about behavioral healthcare should not be left to amateur reviewers. This is the importance of accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) that have streamlined the process of vetting organizations to ensure their credibility.

When you are a behavioral health organization, the seal of accomplishment that accompanies a CARF accreditation is an aspirational beacon proclaiming to those who view your site online that you have endured the rigorous accreditation process in order to provide them with a higher level of care and continue to meet expectations year after year. 

Whether you are a consumer looking to learn a bit more about CARF, or an executive still undecided about whether you will elevate your practice to be in compliance with CARF standards of practice, the aim of this article is to provide a framework of understanding for all things CARF. 

What is CARF?

CARF International, officially the “Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities”, is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves as an accrediting body in the health and human services industry in the states and worldwide. Their mission is to advance the quality of services existing today that range from programs for children and youth to employment to treatment for opioid addiction. Another large area of focus is in “Aging Services”, and evaluating Continuing Care Retirement Facilities. 

All CARF-accredited service providers have earned recognition for their compliance with the company’s leading-edge set of standards, especially as it relates to business and service delivery practices. The standards referenced have been developed collaboratively over 50 plus years across disciplines and updated regularly based on input from professionals and consumers alike. Working from this framework, it is CARF’s role to consult and advise health and human service organizations to help improve their service delivery and quality. Earning accreditation signifies that the organization has demonstrated compliance with these standards, and remains committed to continuous quality improvement, as one’s status is periodically evaluated with an on-site visit and reviewed annually. 

CARF International has been an accrediting body since 1966, but was officially recognized in 2001 by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) for its work related to opioid treatment programs, and expanding services in 2013 to also include standards for eating disorder treatment.  

What is the difference between a facility with CARF accreditation and one without?

In the world of human service organizations, accreditation is more important now than ever. Consumers today want to make educated choices about their health care, and take seriously the quality of service provided to them. More and more, consumers are looking for accredited organizations as leaders in the field and as a sign of quality. An agency’s commitment to accreditation sends a message to consumers that the organization in question is committed to encouraging feedback, continuous improvement through the implementation of updated practices that reflect the cultural landscape, and to serving the needs of the community. 

What is the CARF Accreditation process?

The entire CARF accreditation process can be quite lengthy, lasting about 9-12 months for first-time applicants. Undergoing this tenuous and arduous process truly demonstrates the facility’s commitment to its community, working towards the well-deserved reward of achieving accreditation status.

1. After a service provider commits to accreditation, the process begins with a thorough internal examination of its programs and business practices and how they compare to CARF standards. 
2. The organization will next seek to schedule an on-site survey with the CARF team of expert practitioners in order to evaluate their performance and organizational practices and whether they truly abide by the applicable standards. CARF is unique in its approach as consultative rather than inspective, and ultimate desire to improve the provider’s operations and service delivery. Included also in this portion of the process are interviews of staff, persons served, and their families. 
3. In the time following the on-site survey, the CARF team will provide a written report of their findings, including identified strengths, as well as areas for improvement. Depending on the data collected, they will render a decision regarding accreditation and may require updates to be implemented and written notice be issued upon doing so. 
4. While the accreditation period may last 1-3 years, an Annual Conformance to Quality Report is required each year to demonstrate ongoing compliance. 

Is the accreditation process worth the effort it takes?

Although it can be a trying and difficult process in order to update your organization’s policies to be in line with CARF standards, the answer is yes. Ultimately, the process is rewarding, especially in that CARF will work with you in an effort to enact its mission of advancing the quality of services available today and they are determined to help elevate your practice and implementation. 

During the on-site survey, using their hallmark “consultive” approach, specialists will work with you to offer feedback and suggestions regarding meeting the standards and prioritizing accountability and quality. With over 50 years of experience, this nuanced approach will also allow for the standards to reflect your organization’s unique mission, vision, and identity. 

While it may not be as simple as paying dues and obtaining a certificate, CARF accreditation is much more than a simple certificate on the wall. Rather, it is a testament to the dedication of your agency and staff in their efforts to improve efficiency and provide the highest quality of care for your clients or residents. Insurance companies and third-party payers are likely to respond well to organizations with CARF accreditation and view their services as a better risk. 

What are the benefits of accreditation for a provider?

When you are an organization considering updating your practice, you’ll want to consider how alignment with CARF standards will reflect positively on your commitment to improve service delivery, manage risk, and distinguish yourself from the competition.
Other reasons to consider CARF include:

• Joining the ranks of those who have aligned their practice to meet internationally accepted standards.
• Receiving guidance in developing (or refining) your person-centered and individualized approach to services and outcomes.
• Creating opportunities for feedback and improved communication with those you aim to serve.
• Learning responsible management techniques that are efficient and cost-effective.
• Demonstrating accountability to funding sources, referral agencies, and the community.
• Providing evidence of quality and seeking transparency about the management of federal, state, provincial and local government’s funding
• Using accreditation status as a tool to market programs and services 
• Accessing support from CARF during and after the accreditation process, through consultation, publications, conferences, training opportunities, and newsletters
• Assurance to the community that your organization is committed to providing the best quality of care possible and is consistently putting the needs of those you service at the center of everything you do, respecting their rights and individuality.
• In addition, a recent review of CARF-accredited programs found the following average changes in the time period between their first and latest survey:

• 26% increase in persons served annually
• 37% increase in conformance to quality standards
• 37% increase in annual budget dollars

Alleva can work with you to achieve or maintain that all-important CARF accreditation.

As the friendliest EMR platform around, Alleva can help you to elevate your practice in all the ways that really count, so you can spend more time doing what you do best, serving those in your care. When you partner with Alleva and digitize your practice, sleep soundly knowing that you have all the tools at your disposal to keep yourself up to date and compliant with CARF standards, in a format that is meant to endure. Your investment will be in the kind of software that will grow with you and our ever-changing industry. 

Alleva offers fully customizable Forms Management to allow for the creation and updating of consents and policies, all built and accessible within your own portal. Additionally, Alleva boasts a multitude of tracking methods to allow for data collection for continued compliance and improvement, like initial medication count for programs that employ med management. 

We have continued success helping our clients navigate the CARF accreditation process within Alleva and access other features that help with the constant evolution in this industry. If you want to learn more about how Alleva can work for you, request a demo today!

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