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Expert Guidance Through Every Accreditation Path
At Next Step Health & Human Service Consulting, we specialize in guiding behavioral health organizations through various accreditation and certification processes. Our founder Tanya Brice’s unique position as both an active CARF surveyor and an experienced behavioral health professional gives our clients an invaluable advantage in navigating these complex journeys.
Overview of CARF Requirements
CARF evaluates organizations across several key domains:
- Leadership and Governance: Organizational structure, strategic planning, and ethical practice
- Financial Management: Budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal responsibility
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating operational and clinical risks
- Health and Safety: Creating secure environments for clients and staff
- Human Resources: Staff qualifications, supervision, and professional development
- Quality Improvement: Systems for ongoing evaluation and enhancement
- Rights of Persons Served: Protecting client autonomy and dignity
- Program-Specific Standards: Requirements tailored to your specific service types
CARF standards emphasize a person-centered approach, with special focus on how services improve quality of life and functional outcomes for the people you serve. The standards are organized into sections addressing organizational practices and program-specific requirements that vary based on the services you provide.
Our CARF Surveyor Expertise
As an active CARF surveyor, Tanya Brice brings an invaluable insider’s perspective to your accreditation process. This unique advantage means we:
- Understand exactly what surveyors look for during site visits
- Stay current with emerging trends and shifting interpretations of standards
- Can distinguish between “must-have” requirements and “nice-to-have” enhancements
- Anticipate common survey challenges before they arise
- Translate complex standards into practical operational changes
While many consultants can read the standards, our firsthand surveyor experience means we understand the nuances of how standards are applied in real-world settings. This deep knowledge is why organizations like MNK Community Resources and Oasis Behavioral Health Sanctuary have trusted us to guide their CARF journeys.
Success Rate with CARF Clients
Our track record speaks for itself:
- 100% approval rate for both preliminary and three-year CARF accreditation
- Every client we’ve prepared has achieved accreditation on their first attempt
- Our clients consistently receive minimal recommendations (improvement areas)
- Many clients achieve the coveted three-year accreditation on their first survey
- Organizations we guide typically receive commendations for quality practices
This exceptional success rate stems from our thorough understanding of not just what the standards say, but how surveyors evaluate them during the site visit.
CARF Preparation Process
Our comprehensive CARF preparation includes:
- Initial Assessment: Evaluation of current operations against CARF standards
- Gap Analysis Report: Detailed findings with prioritized recommendations
- Standards Implementation: Development of required policies, procedures, and systems
- Documentation Creation: Design of compliant forms, manuals, and records
- Performance Improvement System: Implementation of robust quality monitoring
- Outcomes Measurement: Development of tools to track and demonstrate effectiveness
- Staff Training: Comprehensive education on standards and interview preparation
- Mock Survey: Realistic practice evaluation conducted by experienced professionals
- Final Preparation: Last-minute refinements based on mock survey findings
- Survey Support: Guidance during the actual CARF survey process
Organizations typically need 6–12 months to prepare for initial CARF accreditation, though this timeline varies based on your starting point and operational complexity.
The Joint Commission
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)
Maryland State Licensure
Building Your Foundation for Behavioral Health Services
Before pursuing national accreditation, most behavioral health organizations must first obtain state licensure. Our intimate knowledge of Maryland’s regulatory environment makes us the ideal partner for navigating this foundational process.
Requirements Overview
- Organizational Structure
- Fiscal Management
- Physical Plant
- Staff Qualifications
- Service Delivery
- Documentation
- Client Rights
- Quality Assurance
Documentation Needed
- Program Application
- Organizational Documents
- Policy and Procedure Manual
- Personnel Manual
- Client Handbook
- Quality Improvement Plan
- Emergency Procedures
- Facility Documentation
- Financial Information
- Program-Specific Materials
Our Streamlined Process
- Initial Consultation
- License Type Determination
- Gap Assessment
- Application Development
- Documentation Creation
- Physical Plant Guidance
- Pre-Survey Inspection
- Survey Preparation
- Survey Support
- Plan of Correction
DDA Certification
Serving the Developmental Disabilities Community with Excellence
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) certification represents Maryland’s quality standard for providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Requirements
- Person-Centered Planning
- Rights and Protections
- Service Planning and Delivery
- Health and Safety
- Staff Qualifications
- Quality Assurance
- Community Integration
- Self-Determination
Certification Process
- Provider Application
- Documentation Review
- Staff Qualification Verification
- On-Site Inspection
- Interview Process
- Plan of Correction
- Certification Decision
- Ongoing Monitoring
How We Support DDA Providers
- Standards Interpretation
- Policy Development
- Person-Centered Planning Systems
- Rights Protection Frameworks
- Staff Training Programs
- Quality Monitoring Tools
- Documentation Templates
- Mock Surveys
- Plan Development
- Ongoing Technical Assistance
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact us today to discuss which accreditation path best aligns with your organization’s mission, services, and goals. Our expert team will guide you through every phase of the journey.