National Accreditation by

The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF)

Mission
The mission of CARF is to serve as the preeminent standards-setting and accrediting body, promoting and advocating for the delivery of quality rehabilitation services.

Purposes
The purposes of CARF are as follows:

• To improve the quality of services delivered to people with disabilities and others in need of rehabilitation.
• To identify to consumers, providers, purchasers, and the general public those organizations that meet nationally recognized standards for rehabilitation services.
• To develop and maintain current state-of-the-art standards that organizations can use to assess and improve the quality of their programs.
• To provide an independent, impartial, and objective system of total organizational review and assessment using a peer review approach.
• To conduct a program of accreditation research emphasizing outcomes measurement and management and to disseminate information on common program strengths as well as on areas that have been identified as in need of improvement.
• To provide education and training that enhances the performance of various constituencies.
• To provide an organized forum in which consumers, providers, purchasers, and others in the field can participate in standards setting to improve program quality.

• To advise and consult on the development of public policy related to rehabilitation.

Vision

• We see ourselves in a dynamic environment as a catalyst for improving the quality and cost-efficiency of services provided by rehabilitation organizations.
• We see ourselves as a major resource for rehabilitation outcomes measurement and management.
• We see ourselves as an organization respected internationally for accreditation research and information dissemination.
• We see ourselves as having a vital presence in selected international markets.
• We see ourselves as an organization recognized for its responsiveness to the needs of diverse rehabilitation organizations.

Values
CARF adheres to the following values:

• We believe in the continuous improvement of both organizational management and service delivery.
• We believe in conducting accreditation, research, and education with the utmost integrity.
• We believe people served by rehabilitation organizations should be treated with dignity and respect.
• We believe in the empowerment of people with disabilities and others in need of rehabilitation services.
• We believe that people with disabilities should have access to quality programs and services that achieve optimum outcomes.
• We believe in being cognizant of the needs of all constituents, including consumers, providers, purchasers, and others in the field.
• We believe in the value of diversity and cultural sensitivity to the constituents we serve.
• We believe programs and standards should be cost effective.

• We believe in treating all staff members and surveyors with respect and dignity.

The Structure of CARF
Since its inception in 1966, CARF has benefited from national organizations joining together in support of the goals of accreditation. These organizations, representing a broad range of expertise, are divided into two categories of membership: sponsoring members and associate members.