New CARF Standards
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF) was founded in 1966 and serves the following areas: aging services, behavioral health, business and services management networks, child and youth services, employment and community services, and medical rehabilitation. Their mission is “to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.” CARF is constantly updating their policies and practices to keep up with the ever-changing world or Rehab. Discover compliance excellence with our solutions. Navigate the evolving landscape effortlessly with insights on New CARF Standards Effective after June 30, 2012.
Thus far in 2012, the following four initiatives have been announced:
New CARF Standards Effective for Surveys Conducted After June 30, 2012
Original source is from the CARF website
- Case management standards to Aging Services accreditation area
- Accreditation for supported education in 2012 Employment and Community Services Standards Manual
- Accreditation for independent evaluation services in 2012 Medical Rehabilitation Standards Manual
- Accreditation for student counseling in 2012 Behavioral Health Standards Manual
This current blog is a continuation from our previous and focuses on evaluation services and student counseling. Please refer to Part 1 – New CARF Standards Effective for Surveys Conducted After June 30, 2012 to be updated on additional new standards which will affect surveys conducted after June 30, 2012.
Independent evaluation services coordinate unbiased evaluations based on individualized referral questions, effective use of resources, and relevant communication with stakeholders. According to Christine McDowell, managing director of CARF’s Medical Rehabilitation accreditation area, “Both service providers and insurance companies urged CARF to review the independent evaluation services field to ensure consistency of practices and also to address the unique needs of the populations the providers and insurers serve. Independent evaluations may be completed by one or more healthcare professionals who are not involved in the care of the person served for the purpose of clarifying clinical case issues.” These standards will apply to surveys conducted after June 30, 2012.
Student counseling programs serve as the primary behavioral health resource for higher education campus communities and their students. Services include: individual, family, and/or group counseling, prevention, education, and outreach. The accreditation standards were drafted as it became evident that a growing number of mental health centers were contracting with university systems to provide their student counseling services. According to Nikki Migas, managing director of CARF’s Behavioral Health accreditation area, “The student counseling standards are designed to provide students with opportunities to develop personal insight, identify and solve problems, and implement positive strategies to better manage their lives both academically and personally. In addition to working directly with students, program goals can be realized through outreach, partnerships, and consultation initiatives with faculty, staff, parents, students’ internships sites, or other educational entities or community partners.” These standards will apply to surveys conducted after June 30, 2012.
BHM Healthcare Solutions is one of the top healthcare consulting firms in the country. One of our many areas of expertise is CARF accreditation. Our CARF accreditation consultants always stay abreast of any regulatory changes and are experts in helping our clients obtain or renew accreditation status. If you are in need of CARF accreditation consulting, please contact us by calling 1-888-831-1171.
