During the last two years Karen has been working toward our
CARF accreditation (
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Service providers, such as us, who earn this accreditation, put in numerous hours in order to make sure that we meet all mandatory CARF
requirements. CARF looks at all aspects of our organization including our budgeting, strategic plan, risk management, Human Resource policies and practices, training, technology, client records, diversity, and health, safety and accessibility. They also review how we manage the rights and confidentiality of the people we serve, how we get input from our stakeholders and participants, how we measure our success with outcomes and make improvements based on that information.
We are pleased to announce that we have earned CARF accreditation for a period of three years!
This decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization, and shows our substantial conformance to the CARF standards. The survey team acknowledged and applauded our person-first culture and dedication to providing quality services to our community.
Our accreditation is a public commitment to our stakeholders and participants that we are:
- Person centered
- Accountable to funding sources, referral agencies, and the community
- Address health and safety concerns
- Maintain management practices that are based on outcomes and client satisfaction
Karen's supervisor, Carrie Mendoza, Vice President/ Chief Financial Officer, shares that
"Karen's previous accreditation experience gave her the vision to see what was critical in order for us to succeed during this process. She realized that the accreditation journey needed participation and support from all CHN team members. She
made
sure everyone's expertise was heard and included to improve our overall quality."
Let's turn to Karen now and give her a chance to answer a few questions.
How did you become involved with CHN?
I have worked with several different
accreditation programs
over many years. Although I've attended conferences and trainings, I would say experience and the ability to project manage are the biggest factors in being successful in this role.
How do you feel that being CARF accredited will help those we serve?
One of the guiding principles of CARF is that we provide services in a person-first manner. This weaves its way through all the standards, ensuring our participants are fully considered and involved in the way we plan, budget and provide services. Being CARF accredited demonstrates to our participants and community partners that we have made a commitment to put our participants at the center of everything we do.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love to manage a project. It is very exciting to take a giant goal and break it down in a way that enables everyone to participate in the outcome and success.
In all things compliance related, I enjoy being a support to staff in understanding what is required of us and why. The "why" makes rules, standards and polices less of a burden and more of a resource. I also really like to make sure we are doing things "right"- I am a rule follower and a fixer at heart!
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am so honored that the entire agency trusted me to lead them in this accreditation process. I don't look at compliance to accreditation as a list of things we have to do but rather, a way to inspire all staff to consistently work to provide quality and person-centered services to our community. CARF is an outstanding resource to all of us, a check and balance to ensure we are staying on top of the most cutting edge and relevant practices.
Parting words of wisdom?
Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in someone's life. Personally and professionally, every single person, every single day can impact someone in a positive way. A compliment, a word of encouragement, a cup of coffee, expressing empathy -there are so many small and meaningful ways you can make this world a better place.
I am grateful for Karen's work, as well as the work of all CHN team members.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
to ensure we are continually evolving and staying current with the best way to serve our community. Accreditation can also open up some additional funding streams that would enable us to sustain and grow our services. Additionally, w
