CQL Accreditation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A common understanding of the term accreditation involves the formal recognition of an organization for attaining a specified set of standards, often viewed as merely “passing a test.” CQL’s Accreditation approach is more about being on a journey toward ongoing organizational transformation. Rather than receiving a “passing score,” it is about choosing the right path and making measurable progress. At CQL, we often say we meet organizations where they are and help them move to a better place.

Through an open, honest, and unbiased evaluation by outside experts, accreditation equips organizations with valuable information and action steps for improvement. When organizations rely on their own internal review of operations, they may unintentionally allow the investment they have in their organization to influence their outlook. Internal review also limits an organization to its pre-existing base of knowledge, whereas accreditation aggregates best practices from other organizations.

• View our CQL Accreditation webpage
• Download the CQL Accreditation Informational Packet
• Watch sessions from our CQL Accreditation Webinar Series
• Read the CQL Accreditation Success Stories
• Review our CQL Accredited Organizations
• Complete the CQL Accreditation Inquiry Form

In order to have meaningful, deep-rooted, and long-lasting organizational transformation, CQL believes that accreditation must reach every facet/corner of an agency. All departments, program areas, staff members, board members, families and loved ones, and other stakeholders must be working in conjunction with one another, aligning in their pursuit of shared goals.

Our accreditation model proves to be a more holistic approach, with CQL-accredited organizations reporting that their agency is able to reduce siloes (isolating departments/team members), improve overall investment in initiatives, enhance internal/external connectedness, replicate pockets of excellence across programs and departments, and better leverage best practices for quality improvement.

CQL Accreditation is organization-wide, applicable to services for children, youth, adults, and older adults, with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), psychiatric disabilities, dual diagnoses, and substance use disorders.

CQL does not provide accreditation solely for schools, daycares, maternity homes, medical clinics, refugee agencies, or organizations that assist people who are unhoused. If an organization provides services that are not eligible in the accreditation, CQL will make note of those in the reports, letters, certificates, etc.

CQL reviews the entire organization during an accreditation, unless approved ahead of time or if services do not align with CQL’s areas of expertise. CQL assesses those situations on a case-by-case basis. If a service is approved as a ‘carve out,’ it is only applicable for one accreditation term, and will be reviewed in subsequent accreditation terms. CQL recommends that any stakeholders who are involved in a ‘carved out’ service still participate in accreditation activities, so that they are familiar with the process and expectations during future accreditation terms.

When organizations rely on their own internal review of operations, they may unintentionally allow the investment they have in their organization to influence their outlook. Internal review also limits an organization to its pre-existing base of knowledge, whereas accreditation aggregates best practices from other organizations.

Systems Accreditation

Systems Accreditation is a one-year term designed solely for human service organizations that are not yet providing services. Sometimes these organizations are required to achieve licensure by state regulations.

Quality Assurances Accreditation

Quality Assurances Accreditation is a three-year term for agencies new to CQL, want to reinvigorate their quality framework, or have had significant leadership changes.

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation is a four-year accreditation, expanding upon the use of Basic Assurances® (BA), Personal Outcome Measures®(POM), and Shared Values.

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction is a four-year accreditation that applies the most stringent standards for human service organizations, requiring measurable results.

Network Accreditation

Network Accreditation is a four-year accreditation term designed solely for large-scale human service entities, managed care organizations, and statewide developmental disabilities systems.

After reviewing the CQL Accreditation types, including accreditation components and criteria, intended audiences, eligibility requirements, etc., you can discuss the options with your team to identify which one might be the best fit. CQL can also provide guidance involving the accreditation type you are looking to pursue.

Please note that just because an organization is pursuing a certain accreditation type, that does not always mean the organization will ultimately achieve it. For example, while an organization may have been working towards Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation – depending on the findings during the review and if the organization aligned the standards – it is possible that the organization may end up being awarded Quality Assurances Accreditation.

CQL Accreditation helps equip organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools for using data more effectively and efficiently. However, the specific requirements and expectations involving data differ depending on each accreditation option.

Systems Accreditation

Organizations are not yet providing services, so there are no expectations for collecting and/or analyzing data.

Quality Assurances Accreditation

CQL expects that organizations are at the very least starting to collect and analyze data for systems, practices, outcomes, etc.

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation

Organizations should be collecting data through various mediums/tools (including the POM and BA) and be using those resulting insights for data-based decision-making.

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction

Organizations are expected to be engaged in more sophisticated data collection/analysis and are required to use Certified POM Interviewers.

Please note: If an organization is not yet providing services, they need to pursue Systems Accreditation.

If an organization is already providing services but is engaging in CQL Accreditation for the first time, they should pursue Quality Assurances Accreditation. This accreditation type lays the foundation of CQL’s values, standards, requirements, and tools, including a meaningful introduction to the Basic Assurances® and Personal Outcome Measures®.

Those tools are an integral part of agency plans utilized in Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation and Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction, so it is important that agencies become familiar with the BA and POM during Quality Assurances Accreditation.

• Improve quality of life for people you support
• Improve quality of services you provide
• Establish a structure for your quality enhancement/improvement initiatives
• Benefit from external review/validation of your agency
• Ensure accountability for organizational transformation
• Leverage accreditation findings and insights for strategic planning
• Utilize accreditation-related data for organizational decision-making
• Embrace values that promote independence, respect, rights, etc.
• Discover best practices from other agencies around the world
• Network with other accredited organizations
• Consult with CQL staff for support and assistance
• Embrace a strengths-based approach vs. a deficiency-driven approach
• Make a positive impact on your workforce
• Align your agency with the premiere accrediting body
• Showcase your commitment to quality to stakeholders
• Highlight accreditation in fundraising campaigns, grant applications, etc.
• Display the CQL Accreditation logo on your website, marketing materials, etc.
• Receive complimentary access to CQL’s PORTAL Data System
• Receive a 5% discount on CQL Training and CQL Certification

There are many key differentiators between CQL and other accrediting bodies. While this listing does not cover everything, here are some of the reasons why our partners tell us they chose CQL over other entities.

Organization-Wide Accreditation

Unlike other accrediting bodies, CQL does not provide programmatic-level accreditation. CQL’s approach offers a holistic experience with transformation that impacts all facets of an organization. This leads to more unified, cohesive, and consistent organizational change, with aligned expectations, values, policies, procedures, practices, programs, etc.

Focus On People, Not Paper

While CQL does review policies and procedures, the primary focus is on how organizations tangibly impact the quality of life and quality of services for people receiving supports. CQL’s accreditation tools and activities look at the pursuit and achievement of individually-defined outcomes, determined in practice, person-by-person.

Strengths-Based Approach

Our partners describe other accreditation entities as having a punitive approach. CQL Accreditation is not deficiency-driven, instead using the concepts of Appreciative Inquiry for a collaborative, supportive, and encouraging experience. We work with partners to identify pockets of success and explore how those can be applied to areas where there is opportunity for improvement.

Progress Over Perfection

Connected to our strengths-based approach, CQL does not expect perfection. We will meet you where you’re at, and help you move to a better place. There is not a set percentage of standards that need to be met, but we do expect measurable progress with responsiveness, follow-through, commitment, and transparency from our partners.

Inclusive Of All Stakeholders

CQL’s accreditation activities ensure a diverse set of stakeholders are involved, including people receiving services, their families, support staff, supervisors, executive leadership, community members, and more. These groups can be included throughout the planning calls, factor discussions, opening meeting, interviews, site visits, focus groups, stakeholder meeting, etc.

Ongoing Partnership And Consultation

Organizations often tell us that other accreditors feel more like a mere ‘stamp of approval’ who are largely absent throughout the accreditation term. CQL provides a robust and meaningful accreditation experience and then follows through with ongoing guidance, support, and assistance during the term, with agency check-ins, staff consultation, and more.

Utilization Of Data

Through CQL’s trademarked and proprietary tools, accredited organizations can efficiently collect and analyze data to assess and improve quality of services and quality of life. Agencies can use that data for everything from individual person-centered planning to organizational strategic planning. To accomplish this, accredited organizations receive complimentary access to the CQL PORTAL Data System.

Professional, Experienced, Paid Accreditation Reviewers

CQL reviewers are all paid staff members – not volunteers – ensuring the professionalism and accountability of our work. In addition, all CQL staff have practical experience in the disability services sector, representing a wide range of roles including direct support, supervisory positions, quality staff, executive leadership, etc.

Typically, regulatory bodies are focused on rule compliance. Though there are certainly some similarities with a number of Basic Assurances®, CQL Accreditation goes beyond regulatory compliance. We examine best practices and support the agency to continue its quality journey. Keep in mind that all agencies accredited by CQL must attest that they are in compliance with their governing regulations.

Your first step is to complete the Accreditation Inquiry Form on CQL’s website. CQL will contact you to provide you with additional information and to discuss accreditation in more detail, including the general process, initial to-dos, expectations, and timelines. Conversations and information that you share with CQL will help ensure your organization and CQL’s values and objectives align. You can also watch a webinar titled From Inquiry to Accreditation, which reviews each step of the process after you initially contact us.

Numerous factors influence the exact cost of CQL Accreditation including the agency’s size, scope of services, specific needs, and especially the unduplicated number of people an organization supports. While pricing will vary, here are general cost estimates broken down by each accreditation type, for the entirety of the accreditation term. Please note that costs are spread out over the term of the accreditation.

• Systems Accreditation – $5,250
• Quality Assurances Accreditation – $18,000
• Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation – $22,500
• Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction – $28,500

Yes. CQL offers payment plans for accreditation visit costs, including travel/lodging fees for CQL reviewers. There are no additional charges for using payment plans, as long as payments are made on time.

Yes. After your accreditation activities are approved/scheduled and your accreditation team is assigned, there is a fee if an organization asks to reschedule or requests an extension. This fee is to account for the fact that there is a significant amount of work and planning required for the accreditation process, and rescheduling/extensions disrupt our overall schedule, staff assignments, travel arrangements, ability to commit to other CQL work, etc.

We typically recommend that providers submit their application (Request for Engagement) at least six to twelve months in advance of when they’d like their first visit with CQL. This allows for plenty of preparation time, to review resources, manuals, and webinars, complete required self-assessments, as well as to have necessary planning conversations with our team members that will be supporting you in your accreditation journey. Organizations that take advantage of all of the pre-planning activities and resources we offer are typically the ones that successfully achieve accreditation during their first visit with CQL.

It might be possible to shorten the timeline, depending on our calendar and CQL team availability. However, organizations are encouraged to take advantage of the recommended timeframe so as not to feel rushed through the process. Contact CQL to discuss options.

There are several activities/steps that happen after the visit is done. You will be developing goals to work on during your accreditation term. Typically, that involves a Basic Assurances® plan, and sometimes a Personal Outcome Measures® plan, which is due within 30 days after the accreditation visit. Your accreditation team lead will review and approve your plans. Simultaneously, our finance department will ensure you receive an invoice for the cost of accreditation. That invoice also needs to be paid prior to receiving proof of accreditation.

The Basic Assurances® (BA) are the foundation of all types of CQL Accreditation.

The Basic Assurances® is a tool to evaluate successful operations involving the health, safety, and human security of people receiving services, as well as areas such as natural supports, social networks, employment, and more. Through 10 factors, 46 indicators, and hundreds of probes, the Basic Assurances® provide organizations with guidance for ensuring that systems translate into actual practices to positively impact the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities.

Alignment with the Basic Assurances® is a prerequisite for being in business in our field, and organizations unable to meet the requirements are not permitted to operate as public or private entities. By identifying evidence of practices that demonstrate the system’s effectiveness, the tool ensures that organizational policies, procedures, etc. are actually delivering results. Organizations can collect data through the Basic Assurances®, to analyze systems and practices and track the progress of their initiatives over time.

The Basic Assurances® (BA) Self-Assessment is completed by the organization looking to achieve CQL Accreditation. It is an in-depth, honest evaluation of each of the Basic Assurances® factors, indicators, and probes within your organization. The Self-Assessment requires the agency to complete a critical, objective review of its systems and practices as it prepares for CQL Accreditation. The Basic Assurances® manual includes some suggestions for information gathering for each factor. The Self-Assessment is then utilized by the assigned CQL reviewer(s) to gain an understanding of organizational systems, practices, strengths, and opportunities prior to and during the accreditation visit where they will validate the Self-Assessment.

CQL has produced a thorough crosswalk, The HCBS Settings Rule: Toolkit for States, detailing how the Basic Assurances® (and Personal Outcome Measures®) align with the regulations. The guide lists out how concrete data elements, through these proprietary tools, can be used to demonstrate compliance to The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

To provide insight into Factor 10 of the Basic Assurances®, CQL presented a webinar ‘Factor 10: Keeping it Simple in a Complex World!’ and published a Capstone article ‘Demystifying Factor 10.’ Those resources offer a great overview of Factor 10, with guidance, tips, and action steps for creating a Basic Assurances® Monitoring Plan and designing an integrated quality management system.

We recommend that organizations Contact CQL or get in touch with your accreditation team for additional support involving Factor 10, as each organization’s situation, needs, and capacities are unique.

The Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) is a person-centered discovery tool to explore the presence, importance, and achievement of personally-defined outcomes, along with the supports that help people attain their individual goals and dreams. Through the Personal Outcome Measures®, people receiving services share what really matters to them, including their hopes and aspirations. Organizations can then use that information to evaluate the quality of their services, become more responsive, and improve the quality of people’s lives.

In a Personal Outcome Measures® interview, 21 indicators are used to gain valuable insight into the lives of youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. The interview covers a variety of topics, including choice, health, safety, social capital, relationships, rights, employment, and more. For decades, the internationally-recognized tool has been an effective data set for valid and reliable measurement of individual quality of life.

When people directly describe what they want out of their life, organizations can ensure that services are actually facilitating those outcomes. At an individual level, the Personal Outcome Measures® can be used to inform a truly person-centered plan, and track progress in implementing that plan. At an aggregate level, organizations can collect Personal Outcome Measures® data to analyze the impact of their supports, identify effective services, and highlight areas where additional work is needed.

During an accreditation, CQL conducts Personal Outcome Measures® interviews to demonstrate the linkage between personally-defined quality of life and excellence in person-centered services, emphasizing the importance of data in planning and making change.

Systems Accreditation

There is no expectation for the use of the Personal Outcome Measures®, since organizations are not yet providing services. CQL will introduce the POM to the organization.

Quality Assurances Accreditation

CQL introduces the Personal Outcome Measures® to organizations that have little or no experience with the tool. CQL completes a small representative sample of POM interviews during the accreditation visit. The organization will be asked to complete a POM Plan, with guidance from CQL, as part of the accreditation process. The POM Plan typically outlines action steps for implementation of the POM within services.

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation

Organizations are expected to be actively using Personal Outcome Measures® within its services. CQL completes a small representative sample of POM interviews during the accreditation visit. It is rare that the organization will be asked to complete a POM Plan, but CQL may give recommendations to the organization for strengthening its use of the POM at the individual and/or organizational level.

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction

Organizations are required to have Certified POM Interviewers(s) or Certified POM Trainer(s) and be actively using the POM at the individual and organizational level. Due to the CQL Certification requirement, CQL does not complete POM interviews during the accreditation visit. CQL will complete an in-depth review of the organization’s POM processes, data collection and analysis efforts, and responsiveness to POM insights.

In July 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Quality Measure Set, which included the Personal Outcome Measures® (POM). The measure set intends to help states and the disability service system evaluate and improve quality for those receiving home and community-based services. In the guidance, CMS has included specific indicators of the POM as measures that the disability services system should use in their efforts to monitor and enhance quality.

The use of Certified Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) Interviewers is only required for organizations pursuing Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction. It is not required for Systems Accreditation, Quality Assurances Accreditation, or Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation.

Organizations, except for those that achieve Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction, are not required to enter findings from POM interviews into the CQL PORTAL Data System. Partners who do enter POM interview findings into PORTAL have shared that they find the data system valuable for collecting data, reviewing results, running reports, etc.

In addition, CQL uses the data collected through Personal Outcome Measures® interviews by Certified Interviewers to conduct essential research, which helps assess quality of life for people receiving services and inform best practices in the field.

No. Unlike other accrediting bodies, CQL does not use volunteers as accreditation reviewers. All CQL staff are paid – either part-time or full-time – with practical experience in the human services field who have worked in various roles of service provision.

Organizations may request the same CQL reviewer across multiple accreditation terms. However, considerations are made involving scheduling, staff availability, etc., so it is not a guarantee. It is important to keep in mind that there are benefits to having different CQL reviewers, with different perspectives, insights, ideas, and approaches.

While you may not be assigned the same CQL reviewer, you can still maintain your relationship with them, continuing to connect with them for guidance, support, etc.

Yes. Organizations can request a different CQL reviewer than the person (or people) assigned during their current term.

Your CQL lead reviewer will provide guidance on ways to prepare and you will develop a schedule with the support of the CQL lead reviewer. In general, the agency should gather evidence to support the Basic Assurances® Self-Assessment and share the written documents (excluding information that may contain protected health or highly sensitive information) with CQL prior to the first visit. This allows the reviewers time to evaluate the information prior to the visit and come prepared with resources and recommendations.

The agency should also ensure that meeting spaces and any electronic equipment (if applicable) are available. You should also prepare people who are participating in focus groups or Personal Outcome Measures® interviews, sharing what they can expect during those activities.

The organization and its assigned CQL Lead reviewer will work together to determine expectations for secure document-sharing. Some examples of how information might be securely shared are through Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Box, etc.

It is beneficial to share some documents in advance of the accreditation visit so that the CQL reviewers can spend more time with people on-site, rather than solely reviewing documentation. That being said, the organization should still have requested documentation available during the on-site visit. In the planning process, a “Preparation Checklist” guide is provided, which outlines some of the specific documentation that will be requested.

Organizations can take advantage of our free Accreditation Webinar Series. The sessions are all free and cover numerous topics like integrating CQL tools, preparing for accreditation, leveraging data, developing systems, writing plans, and so much more.

CQL also offers Accreditation Preparation Workshops, if organizations feel that they need additional training and support ahead of their accreditation. These 2-day workshops are not required to have a successful accreditation, but can be a useful resource for agencies.

Only current CQL staff members are experts in CQL Accreditation and its tools, processes, approaches, components, standards, requirements, etc. Outside consultants are not experts involving CQL Accreditation, and not necessary to prepare an organization for a successful accreditation.

While organizations have the right to seek and pay for outside assistance in preparing for accreditation activities with CQL, that does not replace the need for staff from the organization to be part of every step of the journey from start to finish. This includes developing and updating polices and plans, completing self-assessments, participating in pre-planning conversations, and of course, taking part in the actual accreditation visit activities. The people who are there every day at the organization – staff, people supported, and others – must be the primary participants.

Along with those considerations, keep in mind that you are already paying CQL to provide you with guidance, resources, and information, so the use of a consultant is redundant.

First, you can review the Basic Assurances® manual and watch CQL’s Basic Assurances® 10-part webinar series. After that, an organization will have a better understanding of the Basic Assurances® and be better prepared to complete the Basic Assurances® Self-Assessment. CQL also highly recommends developing an internal accreditation preparation plan to include tasks that need to be completed, persons assigned, timelines, etc.

In addition, you can view sessions from our ongoing Accreditation Webinar Series, especially the following webinars:

• CQL Accreditation 101: An Introduction
• 10 Tips To Prepare For CQL Accreditation
• Beyond Binders: Gathering Evidence Before Your Accreditation

It’s important to pull in a diverse set of stakeholders. This includes people receiving services, families/loved ones, support staff, executive leadership, board of directors, members of the broader community, etc. Depending on the audience and activity, they may be able to participate in accreditation-related meetings, Basic Assurances® factor discussions, Personal Outcome Measures® interviews, focus groups, opening and closing meetings, and if applicable, the PCE / PCE-D Stakeholder Day.

CQL encourages organizations to incorporate different perspectives in the accreditation process, spanning a wide range of audiences, including departments. As far as specific internal departments, we suggest that agencies focus more on the people vs. the department. You should identify your ‘accreditation champions’ and support them in unleashing their excitement to help build up the energy across your entire organization. Regardless, your accreditation is not a one-person job. It’s truly a team effort!

We do understand that smaller provider organizations face real limitations in staffing and identifying those who can take part in the accreditation process. Those agencies are encouraged to reach out to external stakeholders or contact other CQL-accredited organizations for their support. In addition. CQL staff members may be able to assist in ensuring your accreditation is a success!

To start, you can help educate your Board of Directors about CQL Accreditation through resources like the accreditation informational packet, the accreditation webinar series, or our accreditation landing page. In addition, they could watch our short ‘Overview of CQL Accreditation’ video.

You can also encourage them to participate in accreditation-related meetings, Basic Assurances® factor discussions, the opening meeting, and if applicable, the PCE / PCE-D Stakeholder Day. Regardless of how involved they are, we recommend that you keep them informed throughout the accreditation process, especially sharing your successes and accomplishments. If you would like CQL to facilitate a Board of Directors focus group, please let your lead reviewer know and CQL may be able to add it to the schedule of activities.

With the exception of Systems Accreditation which is a 1-year term, CQL typically conducts 1-2 mid-cycle visits during the accreditation term. This is a time that an agency can reflect on its progress, celebrate successes, consult with CQL staff, and assess next steps. While the Request for Engagement (RFE) application form includes a more complete listing, here are the general mid-cycle requirements for each accreditation type:

Quality Assurances Accreditation

• 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

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation

• CQL validation of implementation of recommendations from first visit and of progress made on What Really Matters plan short-range goals
• CQL validation of implementation of recommendations from first visit and notable progress with Basic Assurances® indicators
• CQL validation of ongoing implementation and enhancement of an organizational integrated quality management system

Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction

• CQL validation of implementation of recommendations from first visit and of progress made on What Really Matters plan short term goals
• CQL validation of implementation of recommendations from second visit and of progress made on What Really Matters plan long-range goals
• CQL validation of ongoing implementation and enhancement of an organizational integrated quality management system that incorporates reliable Personal Outcome Measures® data
• Updates on advocacy, community engagement, etc.

Probationary Accreditation

An organization may be designated with a Probationary Accreditation status due to a variety of factors following their Visit 1 review:

• CQL finds that the organization only has very few, if any, written policies
• CQL receives pervasive negative feedback while conducting all focus groups
• CQL identifies a significant number of ‘red flags’ during the review process

Provisional Accreditation

An organization may be designated with a Provisional Accreditation status during their Visit 2 / Visit 3 review, if CQL finds a significant lack of progress involving the following:

• Basic Assurances® Plan
• Personal Outcome Measures® Plan
• Person-Centered Excellence Plan

An organization may not be accredited due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

• The organization provides false information
• The organization is engaging in illegal activities
• The organization does not share CQL’s values
• The organization lacks fiscal accountability
• The organization provides services within environments that are dangerously unsafe
• CQL identifies pervasive and significant issues involving abuse, neglect, mistreatment, exploitation, and/or rights restrictions.

CQL expects to see objectives/steps in the plan(s) that have been met to ensure alignment. For example, a goal in the plan(s) may be to develop and implement a comprehensive rights assessment. Progress may be shown by reviewing resources, putting a team in charge of the project, developing the tool, piloting the tool, evaluating feedback, making changes, training on the tool, implementing the tool, etc.

Your Basic Assurances® Plan, Personal Outcome Measures® Plan, and Person-Centered Excellence Plan that you submit to CQL for review/approval, are your guides for monitoring progress. While we understand that priorities and action steps may change during your accreditation term, we do expect that you will be more in alignment with the areas of opportunity discovered during your initial visit. The development of the plans, creation of goals, and monitoring of progress is not “one size fits all” – it is intentionally unique and customized for each organization, with support from CQL as needed. We meet agencies where they are at and support them in their journey of ongoing organizational transformation.

CQL presented a webinar titled ‘Visit 1 is Done! Next Steps After Achieving Accreditation,’ which details the exact timeline for reports and plans. As a general summary, a draft report will be shared by CQL during, or shortly after, the first accreditation visit. Any accreditation-related plans are due within 30 days of the first accreditation visit. Within 30-60 days of the first accreditation visit, accreditation reports are finalized and edited for distribution to the organization.

CQL shares a full listing of accredited organizations on our website. To find agencies, you can browse the full listing, search by name/location, or filter by country, state/province, or accreditation type. If an accredited organization has its own website, those sites are hyperlinked as well, so prospective partners can learn more about the accredited organization and/or contact them.

Yes. The best way to get in touch with an accredited organization is to Contact CQL and share details about what information/insights you want, so that we can make the right connection. Otherwise, you can browse the full listing of accredited organizations on our website – which include hyperlinks (when available) to each organization’s website – where you can reach out to them directly.

We have also produced numerous accreditation success stories, which detail the accreditation experiences of our partners. Along with learning about their perspective within the articles, the organizations may also be willing to discuss their journey involving CQL Accreditation.

There are a number of ways that you can learn about best practices from accredited organizations. Along with identifying agencies directly through our accredited organizations listing, you can either Contact CQL or get in touch with your accreditation team to help connect you to an organization.

Otherwise, we regularly feature best practices from our partners in our free, public webinars, who have joined us as panelists covering a variety of topics. Accredited organizations are also highlighted in Capstone articles as guest contributors, where they detail specific programs and practices relevant to the Capstone topic. Through our accreditation success stories, our partners also have opportunities to describe their best practices and innovative approaches.

In addition, you can check out our free Facebook E-Community to connect with accredited organizations about best practices. It’s a platform to share resources, ask questions, provide support, and identify solutions.

The most challenging aspect involves providers not preparing effectively. Organizations should take advantage of all of the resources and planning meetings we offer. Also, you should make sure the right people are ‘at the table’ for accreditation activities, especially during BA Factor conversations. You should identify your experts and have them participate in these conversations.

CQL works with organizations of all sizes. This includes larger agencies spanning multiple states and supporting thousands of people, to smaller organizations in one location that may support a few people, or even just one person!

If you represent a smaller organization, our advice is to “think big, start small.” It’s important to develop plans for organizational improvement, but equally essential to prioritize your goals so that they are manageable, achievable, and sustainable. CQL is especially skilled in working closely with smaller agencies to support them in creating plans, developing goals, prioritizing initiatives, and monitoring progress in a way that aligns with the organization’s resources.