CARF Expectations

The front (Aspire) section of the CARF  Behavioral Health Manual standards are heavily weighted towards compliance.

Areas emphasized include: 

Leadership – Leadership structure is documented by organizational charts defining the positions and lines of authority and a comprehensive explanation of the chart. Survey teams verify the responsibilities of leadership. Succession planning identifies actions taken by an organization should leadership change or be unavailable. The organization has a cultural competency plan that demonstrates staff composition relative to the diversity of the community it serves. .

Strategic Planning – Setting Strategic planning is the activity of understanding the environment. This is the road map of future directions the organization intends to take. All organizations document a strategic plan that incorporates social determinants of health into the strategic plan and must be shared with staff, persons served and the community of interest.

Legal Requirements – are required to comply with all legal state and federal and regulatory requirements. The organization ensures the rights of all patients and staff are preserved, and a process for grievances is in place

Financial Planning and Management –  Financial budgets should be written and prepared in advance of the fiscal year and include: Revenues, Expenses and Capital Expenditures. Monthly financial statement should be available to governance and managers.

Risk Management – Risk Management focuses on an assessment of risks to the organization and measures to modify risks.

Health and Safety – unscientific estimates from CARF surveyors suggests Health & Safety may amounts to 30% of the Final survey outcome. Written comprehensive policies and procedures are required along with regular documented drills and there must be substantial conformance to all of these Standards.

Technology – These standards emphasize a Technology and Systems Plan, with a great deal of specificity. Written procedures for services delivered via information and communication technologies are required as is annual testing of the system.

Performance Measurement & Management [Quality Improvement] – These two chapters weigh heavily as well and represent the need for a plan, committee, criteria across all facets of the organization and an outcome instrument.

Call us today: 1-406-252-8147 – We offer an initial Phone Conference on CARF Issues and an assessment at no cost.