Quality standards form the cornerstone of CARF accreditation. Our international consensus standards define the expected input, processes, and outcomes of programs for persons served.
For over 58 years, CARF standards have continually evolved through collaboration with providers, consumers, payers and other experts globally. The International Advisory Council, advisory committees, and diverse focus groups on regional and global scales are regularly engaged to ensure relevance and appropriateness of the standards. Input from the public, service recipients, providers, surveyors, professional organizations, advocacy groups, purchasers, and other stakeholders is actively sought through online reviews for proposed new and updated standards. Visit the field reviews page for further information.
The standards are published in manuals that include a framework for business practices, program structure, and service process for the following areas: