Inside Quality Assurances Accreditation
Human service providers that are looking to introduce or strengthen the use of CQL’s internationally-recognized tools and effective approaches, should pursue Quality Assurances Accreditation. It will reinforce organizational systems that translate from policy to practice, positively impacting people receiving services.
Accreditation Overview
- 3-year accreditation term
- 2 review visits with CQL staff
- Validation of self-assessments
- Implementation of CQL tools
- Use of quality management plan
- Ongoing support, guidance, and access to resources
Intended For Organizations
- New to CQL Accreditation
- Unfamiliar with CQL tools
- Recently experienced leadership change
- Seeking to reinvigorate quality framework
- Interested in the highest standards for services
- Embracing individually-defined outcomes
Quality Assurance Accreditation Components
Planning Meetings
In the beginning stages, CQL conducts conference calls with the organization to talk through the process, expectations, tools, standards, as well as coordinate scheduling.
Self-Assessments
Prior to the on-site review, the organization completes self-assessments to evaluate its own operations, which CQL staff then validate during the accreditation.
Visits With People
To determine how policies play out in practice, we visit with people where they receive services. CQL can then gain insight into the practices of the organization.
Basic Assurances®
To assess essential, fundamental, and non-negotiable requirements of agencies, CQL uses the Basic Assurances® to look at an organization’s systems and practices.
Personal Outcome Measures®
Through in-person interviews using the Personal Outcome Measures® discovery process, CQL digs deeper into how supports are facilitating outcomes.
Focus Groups
CQL holds focus groups with people receiving services and support providers – also sometimes including families, external case managers, and other stakeholders.
Additional Follow-Up
If accreditation expectations are not met, CQL may need to conduct an additional on-site review to support the organization in achieving its accreditation goals.
Data Collection & Analysis
CQL supports the organization in determining meaningful metrics to understand the impact of services – both at the individual and organizational level.
Ongoing Support
The accreditation doesn’t start and stop with the review visits. CQL provides resources, guidance, and collaboration throughout the entire accreditation term.
Have questions about CQL Accreditation?
Benefits Of Quality Assurances Accreditation
This type of accreditation sets up the organization for the introduction and of CQL Accreditation philosophies, tools, and practices to positively impact people's lives.
- Integrate person-centered approaches
- Implement internationally-recognized tools
- Strengthen systems for quality monitoring
- Align with HCBS Settings Regulations
- Receive ongoing support for improving quality
- Complimentary access to PORTAL Data System
- Receive a 5% discount on POM Certification and CQL Training
- Prepare for next accreditation type
Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the ‘Request for Engagement’ form for a complete listing, but overall, the requirements include:
- Completed Basic Assurances® self-assessments by organization
- CQL validation of applicable Basic Assurances®
- Successful implementation of the accreditation partnership agreement, including evidence of significant progress made on plan of alignment completed within 12 months (if applicable) for any Basic Assurances® not present during initial visit
Please review the ‘Request for Engagement’ form for a complete listing, but overall, the requirements include:
- CQL validation of implementation of Personal Outcome Measures® on an individual and organizational level
- CQL validation of implementation of recommendations from first visit and notable progress with Basic Assurances® factors
- CQL validation on progress of the implementation of an integrated quality management plan including Personal Outcome Measures® data
CQL will work closely with the organization to identify solutions to any potential areas of opportunity. A third on-site visit may also be required if the criteria is not met.
Numerous factors influence the exact cost for Quality Assurances Accreditation including the size, scope of services, and specific needs of an organization. To assist in your budgetary planning, a general estimate for this type of accreditation is around $18,000. While pricing will vary, this offers a baseline cost that you can use in your decision-making.
Featured Training
Accreditation Preparation Workshops
- Guidance through the use of CQL tools in your accreditation type
- Information about the Basic Assurances® Self-Assessment process
- Insight into the use of CQL’s PORTAL Data System
- Discussion about the accreditation components, expectations, timelines, etc.
- Discovery of the use of data based on your accreditation type
- Strategies to create an action plan to prepare for accreditation
Accreditation Success Stories
Featured Manual
Basic Assurances® Manual
Inside the Basic Assurances® manual:
- View descriptions about the BA factors, indicators, and probes
- Learn about health, safety, and human security requirements
- Discover how to promote accountability and transparency
- Find out how to provide effective services and practices
Accreditation Videos
Our videos and webinars provides an in-depth look at how CQL Accreditation drives holistic, continuous transformation for organizations.