List of healthcare accreditation organizations in the United States

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List of Healthcare Accreditation Organizations in the United States

Healthcare accreditation organizations in the United States play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services. These organizations assess healthcare providers against established standards, with accreditation signifying that an organization meets or exceeds these criteria. This article provides an overview of the primary healthcare accreditation organizations in the United States.

Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)[edit | edit source]

The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers accreditation programs for home health, hospice, and private duty services. ACHC accreditation is a voluntary process that demonstrates an organization's commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

The Joint Commission[edit | edit source]

The Joint Commission is one of the most well-known healthcare accreditation organizations in the United States. It accredits and certifies more than 22,000 healthcare organizations and programs. The Joint Commission's accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)[edit | edit source]

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an international nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Its accreditation process focuses on enhancing the lives of persons served through a consultative accreditation process that centers on quality standards and outcomes.

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)[edit | edit source]

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations and also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance.

Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC)[edit | edit source]

Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) is an independent accreditation entity that offers over 40 accreditation and certification programs in healthcare. Its mission is to promote continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of healthcare management through processes of accreditation and education.

Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) Healthcare[edit | edit source]

Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) Healthcare is a global independent foundation dedicated to safeguarding life, property, and the environment. In the healthcare sector, DNV GL offers hospital accreditation, managing infection risk, stroke certification, and more, focusing on improving healthcare delivery systems.

Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP)[edit | edit source]

Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) is a recognized accreditor by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It accredits a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinical laboratories, and ambulatory surgery centers, based on standards that go beyond CMS conditions of participation.

Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)[edit | edit source]

Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) is a member-based organization that provides accreditation and regulatory compliance services to acute care and critical access hospitals. CIHQ aims to develop standards and processes that ensure healthcare services are provided in a safe and effective manner.

American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Healthcare Facility Accreditation Program[edit | edit source]

The American Osteopathic Association's Healthcare Facility Accreditation Program (HFAP) accredits a range of healthcare facilities, emphasizing the promotion of high-quality patient care and safety. This program is recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Healthcare accreditation organizations are essential for maintaining and improving the quality and safety of healthcare services in the United States. Through their rigorous evaluation processes, these organizations help ensure that healthcare providers meet specific standards of care, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD