CARF Standards and Requirements for Inpatient Facilities

While all healthcare accreditations should represent quality and reliability, CARF International sets a high standard by demonstrating a service provider’s commitment to continuous improvement and high patient satisfaction. What are the CARF standards for inpatient rehabilitation and behavioral health facilities, and how can organizations obtain and retain this prestigious certification?

CARF – Achieving Excellence in Care

CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Its mission is to promote quality, value, and optimal service outcomes through a consultative accreditation process that enhances people’s lives.

CARF inpatient facility standards are comprehensive, focusing on achieving the best possible  patient results. They cover various aspects of service delivery.

• Client care: Ensuring providers tailor care plans to their clients’ specific needs, based on evidence and proven benefits.
• Safety protocols: Implementing stringent safety guidelines to protect clients and staff.
• Governance and administration: Encouraging sound business practices and management to sustain high-quality care delivery.
• Continuous improvement: Promoting an ongoing process to improve services and outcomes based on feedback and performance evaluation.
• Human resources: Ensuring staff have the appropriate qualifications and training to meet the needs of those served.

Obtaining and Retaining CARF Certification

Earning and maintaining your CARF certification requires six steps.

1. Preparation: Start by familiarizing yourself with CARF standards and ensuring all aspects of your operations align with these benchmarks.
2. Application: Send an application to CARF and schedule an on-site visit.
3. On-site survey: CARF surveyors conduct a thorough review, assessing your organization against their stringent standards through observations, interviews, and document reviews.
4. Survey report: Following the visit, CARF issues a report that includes recommendations for improvement.
5. Quality improvement plans: Your inpatient facility must address the suggestions from your survey report and submit quality improvement plans.
6. Annual conformance reports: CARF requires organizations to submit annual reports demonstrating their continued compliance with the standards and ongoing quality enhancement efforts.

Why CARF Certification Is the Gold Standard

CARF certification is the industry’s benchmark because it reflects compliance with rigorous international standards and demonstrates your organization’s commitment to excellence. Facilities that achieve and maintain CARF accreditation become leaders in their field, dedicated to improving the effectiveness of their services, ensuring client satisfaction, and staying ahead of the latest advancements in care.

MVP Consulting Group brings a wealth of experience and expertise in guiding organizations through the steps required to obtain CARF accreditation. From initial gap analyses to preparation for the survey and follow-up on compliance requirements, our expert team is here to help at every step of the way. Our seasoned professionals are adept at preparing facilities to meet and exceed CARF standards, building a framework for ongoing quality improvement and operational excellence.

Earning CARF accreditation is a significant achievement that will set your facility apart as a top-tier provider of inpatient behavioral health and rehabilitation services. Your organization can meet and exceed these standards by partnering with MVP Consulting, enhancing the care experience for all clients and establishing a robust reputation in the healthcare community. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.