Healthcare accreditation: AAAHC, Joint Commission
Some accreditors can stand in for a state survey under CMS deemed status, and each works differently.
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- AAAHC STANDARDS (V44 EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 16, 2025; V45 RELEASED AUGUST 18, 2026)
AAAHC accreditation: what ASCs and ambulatory practices should know
AAAHC accredits surgery centers and other outpatient sites for three years. CMS has granted it deemed status for ASCs, so its survey can replace the state's. Medicare surveys are unannounced. Surveyors score each QI study on six parts.
AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care)Read the guide - JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITATION STANDARDS, SENTINEL EVENT POLICY AND NATIONAL PERFORMANCE GOALS (HOSPITALS, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026)
Joint Commission accreditation: surveys, sentinel events and safety goals
The Joint Commission accredits hospitals, surgery centers, home care and more. CMS accepts its accreditation as proof of Medicare compliance for several of them. Most surveys are unannounced. A sentinel event needs a full analysis and action plan within 45 business days.
The Joint CommissionRead the guide - CIHQ HOSPITAL ACCREDITATION STANDARDS, PARTICIPATING IN MEDICARE (EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026)
CIHQ accreditation: what hospitals and critical access hospitals should know
CIHQ accredits acute care, critical access and acute psychiatric hospitals for CMS. Its standards follow the Medicare Conditions of Participation. Full surveys run every three years. It does not require sentinel event or root cause analysis submissions.
CIHQ (Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality)Read the guide - ACHC ACCREDITATION STANDARDS (PROGRAM-SPECIFIC)
ACHC accreditation: programs, surveys and documentation
ACHC accredits home health, hospice, surgery centers, hospitals and more. It says CMS gave it deeming authority for nine programs, so its survey can replace the state's. Deemed surveys are unannounced. Other surveys are scheduled with the provider.
ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care)Read the guide - QUAD A ACCREDITATION STANDARDS (PROGRAM STANDARDS MANUALS)
Quad A accreditation: surveys, standards and Patient Safety Data Reporting
Quad A, formerly AAAASF, accredits office-based surgery sites, Medicare surgery centers and related programs. Facilities self-survey yearly, get an onsite survey every three years and must meet 100 percent of the standards. Quarterly Patient Safety Data Reporting is required, including every unanticipated sequela.
Quad A (formerly AAAASF)Read the guide - DNV HEALTHCARE ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSPITALS, CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS, PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS AND ASCS
DNV accreditation: CMS-approved programs, surveys and documentation
DNV is a CMS-approved accreditor for hospitals, critical access hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and, since December 2025, surgery centers. CMS checks that its standards meet Medicare rules and its surveys are unannounced. Confirm DNV's own survey cycle with DNV.
DNV Healthcare USA Inc.Read the guide - CARF STANDARDS MANUALS (SECTION 1, ASPIRE TO EXCELLENCE, PLUS PROGRAM STANDARDS)
CARF accreditation: what providers should know
CARF is a nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, founded in 1966. CMS does not list it, so CARF does not give Medicare deemed status. Surveys are peer reviews announced at least 30 days ahead. Providers send a Quality Improvement Plan within 90 days.
CARF InternationalRead the guide
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