I Don’t Want to Get Accredited… Here’s Why!

As the CEO of a nationally recognized accreditation consulting company, I am often confronted with questions about the benefits of a human service provider becoming accredited or I am asked to address perceived barriers to accreditation.  While earning national accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, CARF International, COA Accreditation (a division of Social Current)) or Accreditation Commission on Health Care (ACHC) can bring numerous benefits to behavioral health organizations, child welfare organizations, for-profit, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.  There may be valid reasons why some might choose not to pursue accreditation, and here are my responses to these top five fears:

1. Cost: We can’t afford it!

The accreditation process can be expensive, with costs related to application fees, facilities improvements, staff training, implementing necessary changes to meet accreditation standards, and potential consulting services. Some organizations, especially those operating on tight budgets, may fear the financial burden associated with accreditation to be a barrier.

Myth Buster – You can’t afford NOT to be accredited!

Accreditation is essential for organizations due to its pivotal role in enhancing credibility, competitive advantage, and access to opportunities. It ensures regulatory compliance, improves processes, and mitigates risks while fostering trust among stakeholders. In essence, it’s a strategic investment that bolsters reputation, expands market reach, and ensures sustained excellence in operations and performance.

2. Administrative burden: We are too busy running the organization and providing services!

Yes, it requires an investment of time, money and effort. Preparing for accreditation can be time-consuming and may require significant administrative efforts. Staff may need to find time to focus on compliance with accreditation standards, which could affect day-to-day operations.

Myth Buster – The heavy lift is with the initial accreditation; after that, proactive maintenance allows for the organization to fully benefit from the process and reaccreditation efforts should be much less of a lift.

Internal financial controls, governance, HR and training, strategic planning, risk management, ethical practices, outcomes measurement, and additional areas all require attention to be ready for review by your selected accrediting body.

Note: Many organizations seeking initial accreditation may find that they need to do more preparation work on the administrative/management side of the business rather than programs and services, due to the predominate focus of state licensing reviews on an organization’s programs.

3. Staffing constraints: We don’t have enough people to devote to accreditation efforts!

Health and human service organizations, especially those in underserved areas, may struggle to allocate the necessary human resources, time, and effort to meet accreditation requirements. Staffing shortages, high turnover, or limited access to training resources can make the accreditation process challenging.

Myth Buster – Accredited organizations regularly report that becoming accredited resulted in lower staff turnover and better recruitment efforts.

TJC Study on Accreditation ROI

TJC Infographic

Accreditation signals to employees and potential hires the organization’s commitment to quality, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Meeting standards often involves investing in employee training and development, which can increase job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, accreditation enhances the organization’s reputation, making it more attractive to top talent seeking stable and reputable workplaces. By showcasing adherence to industry standards and a dedication to excellence, accreditation strengthens recruitment efforts by positioning the organization as an employer of choice within the industry.

SMART PEOPLE LIKE TO WORK IN WELL-MANAGED, WELL-SUPERVISED, WELL-ORGANIZED AGENCIES!

4. Already meeting state regulations – Isn’t this enough?

Behavioral health, child welfare and other human service organizations are often subject to extensive state regulations and oversight. If an organization is already in compliance with state regulations, they might question the need for pursuing additional national accreditation, especially if they perceive the state’s regulations as rigorous and comprehensive.

Myth Buster – Meeting standards is compliance with the bare minimum.

Accreditation goes beyond mere compliance, offering a myriad of benefits that elevate the organization’s operations, services offered and reputation. It often unlocks access to additional funding streams and referral sources that prioritize accredited providers, expanding the organization’s financial resources and client base. Moreover, accreditation signals a commitment to excellence and best practices. By going above and beyond licensure requirements, accreditation distinguishes the organization from competitors, affirming its dedication to superior service delivery and continuous improvement. This distinction is increasingly important to individuals, families, and communities seeking reputable and reliable services. While meeting state standards is essential, accreditation propels human service organizations to new heights by securing funding, enhancing credibility, and ensuring unparalleled quality and distinction in service provision.

5. Philosophical differences

Some organizations may believe they have philosophical or ideological differences with the accrediting bodies and fear they may not align with the accreditation standards or requirements. They might prefer to operate independently, based on their own principles and values, rather than adhering to external accreditation criteria.

Myth Buster – Rejecting accreditation based solely on ideological differences risks limiting growth, impact, and credibility.

Operating independently based on an organization’s principles and values is admirable, but rejecting accreditation due to perceived philosophical differences can be short sighted. Accreditation standards are designed to ensure the highest quality of service delivery, client safety, and organizational effectiveness. By aligning with these standards, organizations demonstrate their commitment to excellence and accountability, which can enhance credibility and trust among stakeholders. Accreditation also provides an objective framework for self-assessment and continuous improvement, which will help them identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development.

The accrediting bodies research and develop standards in a way to allow for unique programs and services; they are not written to standardize program delivery. It is possible to find an accrediting body that aligns with your values! It’s essential for organizations to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of an accrediting body before making a decision, considering how it aligns with their mission, vision, values, and goals for serving their communities. At Accreditation Guru, our experts will gladly help you find the right fit.

 

Ultimately, the decision to pursue or not pursue national accreditation should be carefully considered in the context of the organization’s unique circumstances, mission/vision, and priorities. This decision will certainly have implications for funding, reputation, and the ability to attract clients. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits of accreditation against their specific circumstances and priorities before making a final decision.

ASAM Criteria: Paving the Path to Recovery

In the ever-evolving landscape of addiction treatment, staying abreast of the latest advancements and guidelines is paramount to ensuring the highest quality of treatment. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) stands at the forefront of this mission, providing comprehensive framework through its Criteria. This set of guidelines has become the gold standard in addiction medicine, shaping the way professionals approach assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing care.

The 6 Dimensions of Care

The ASAM’s Criteria is a dynamic and adaptable tool designed to assist healthcare professionals in providing personalized, patient-centered care for individuals struggling with addiction. The criteria encompass six dimensions, each crucial in capturing the complexity of addiction and guiding comprehensive treatment plans. In December of 2023, ASAM released its 4th Edition, which included updates to these six dimensions. They are:

  1. Intoxication, Withdrawal, and Addiction Medications
  2. Biomedical Conditions
  3. Psychiatric and Cognitive Conditions
  4. Substance Use-Related Risks
  5. Recovery Environment Interactions
  6. Person-Centered Consideration

These dimensions are used to determine which level of care is appropriate for each client. Recommendations for the level of care and treatment plans are crafted through comprehensive patient assessments, which take into account the patient’s biomedical, psychological, and social requirements.

ASAM’s Growing Popularity

The ascendancy of ASAM compliance in the realm of addiction treatment is not merely a passing trend but a paradigm shift that reflects a broader movement toward evidence-based, patient-centered care. As the prevalence of substance use disorders continues to rise, fueled by myriad social, economic, and environmental factors, the need for standardized, effective approaches to addiction treatment has never been more pressing. Against this backdrop, ASAM compliance offers a roadmap to guide both clinicians and patients towards the promise of recovery for several compelling reasons.

Standardization and Quality Assurance:

ASAM compliance establishes a standardized framework for assessing and treating individuals with substance use disorders. By adhering to these Criteria, treatment providers ensure consistency and quality across all aspects of care delivery, from assessment and diagnosis to treatment planning and discharge. This standardization promotes accountability and quality assurance, instilling confidence in patients, families, and referring professionals regarding the effectiveness and reliability of addiction treatment services.

Alignment with Evidence-Based Practices:

ASAM Criteria reflect the latest advancements in addiction medicine and behavioral healthcare. Compliance with their guidelines ensures that treatment providers are utilizing interventions and approaches that have been rigorously researched and validated for their effectiveness in addressing substance use disorders. This alignment with evidence-based practices enhances treatment outcomes and increases the likelihood of successful recovery.

Improved Communication and Collaboration:

When healthcare providers, treatment facilities, and other stakeholders involved in the continuum of care are following the same criteria, this fosters enhanced communication and collaboration. By utilizing a common language and framework for assessment and treatment planning, providers can more coordinate with one another across different levels and settings. This interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that individuals receive comprehensive, holistic care that addresses their unique needs and promotes long-term recovery.

Regulatory Requirements and Accreditation Standards:

Many regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies require compliance with ASAM Criteria as part of their licensing and accreditation standards for addiction treatment facilities. Meeting these requirements demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and adherence to best practices in addiction treatment. Compliance with ASAM guidelines can also help treatment facilities navigate the regulatory landscape more effectively and avoid potential legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance.

Enhanced Patient-Centered Care:

These Criteria prioritize a patient-centered approach to addiction treatment, focusing on the individual’s unique needs, strengths, and preferences. By conducting comprehensive assessments and tailoring treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient, treatment providers can deliver more personalized and effective care that resonates with the individual’s goals and values. This patient-centered approach fosters greater engagement, empowerment, and satisfaction among those who seek treatment for substance use disorders.

 

When a treatment facility embraces the standardized framework of ASAM Criteria, they are offered a multitude of benefits. Their outcomes are improved, treatment plans are enhanced, the allocation of resources is optimized, and the decision-making of their patients becomes empowered. This is not merely a set of rules and regulations, but a path that holds transformative potential for the lives of individuals and communities affected by addiction. It represents a convergence of best practices, regulatory standards, and patient-centered principles that pave the way towards interdisciplinary cooperation and mutual support. By aligning with ASAM’s guidelines, treatment providers can enhance the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of addiction treatment services, ultimately improving outcomes and promoting recovery for their clients.

 

If you and your organization are looking to come into alignment with ASAM’s Criteria, we can help! Accreditation Guru offers assistance by providing crosswalks of your policies and procedures to ASAM, reviewing clinical records for accurate documentation of ASAM Criteria clinical processes, and more. Click here to schedule a free Zoom consultation with us so we can further discuss your unique needs.

Benefits of Accreditation for Continuing Education and Training Programs

Accreditation is a process by which an educational or training program is evaluated by an independent accrediting body to determine if it meets certain standards of quality and rigor. Accreditation can be an important factor in the success of continuing education and training (CE/T) programs, both for the program itself and for the students (learners) who participate in it. In this article, we will explore the benefits of accreditation for continuing education and training programs, including its impact on employability, reputation, and competitiveness.

Employability of Graduates in a Variety of Job Markets

One of the primary benefits of accreditation for continuing education and training programs is its impact on the employability of graduates in a variety of job markets. Employers have increased trust in the competency of graduates from accredited programs, which can give these individuals an edge when applying for jobs. For example, in the healthcare field, accredited nursing programs are often preferred by employers because they demonstrate that graduates have received the necessary training to provide high-quality patient care. Similarly, in the technology industry, graduates of accredited computer science programs are seen as having the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field.

Competitive Advantage for the Training Program

Accreditation can also help a continuing education or training program stand out from the competition and develop a reputation for excellence. Accreditation can be a useful marketing tool for attracting new students and demonstrating the quality of the program. For example, a training program that is accredited by a respected agency may be more likely to attract students than a program that is not accredited. Additionally, accreditation can help a program differentiate itself from other programs in the same field, which can be particularly important in industries where competition for students is high.

Strategic Edge for the Employer

Accreditation can also give employers a competitive edge by demonstrating that their employees have received high-quality training. When employers hire graduates of accredited programs, they can be confident that these employees have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles. Additionally, accreditation can demonstrate that the employer is committed to providing high-quality training for their employees, which can be an important factor in attracting and retaining top talent. For example, a hospital that hires nurses from accredited programs may be seen as providing better patient care than hospitals that do not require accreditation.

Distinctive Advantage for the Student

Finally, accreditation can increase the value of a student’s training and qualifications, which can lead to higher salaries and better benefits. When learners complete an accredited program, they can be confident that they have received training that meets quality educational practices. This can make them more attractive to employers and increase their earning potential. For example, graduates of accredited engineering programs often command higher salaries than graduates of non-accredited programs. Additionally, some employers offer higher salaries and better benefits to employees who have received training from accredited programs, which can further enhance the value of accreditation for students.

Conclusion

Accreditation is an important factor in the success of continuing education and training programs, both for the program itself and for the students who participate in it. Accreditation can enhance the employability of graduates, give programs a competitive edge, and increase the value of students’ training and qualifications. As such, it is important for students to seek out accredited programs when considering their educational or training options. Additionally, training programs should strive to achieve accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality training and attract students and employers who value this level of standards of excellence.

If you have a continuing education or training program that could benefit from earning national accreditation, please contact us to discuss your unique needs and timeline.

 

***Note, the benefits discussed here are applicable to a wide variety of CE/T subject matters. They are also applicable whether the CE/T organization is accredited by IACET, ACCET, or those accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) for institutions of higher education.