Rehab accreditation is important — very important. Accreditation shows that an alcohol or drug rehab meets basic standards. These are standards of both safety and quality. Rehab accreditation is also important because it promotes continued improvement in the care provided. Thus, accredited rehabs are not only good. They continue to get even better.

 Overview

I.   Rehab Accreditation

II.  Other Signs of Quality

III. Resources

I. Rehab Accreditation

The Joint Commission is the largest and most widely recognized health care accrediting agency. It continually evaluates and monitors over 200,000 health care organizations and programs. Virtually all state governments require Joint Commission rehab accreditation as a condition of licensure. And also the receipt of Medicaid and Medicare..

Other accrediting organizations include the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP). And the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

Accreditation is available to any rehab or program that meets minimum standards. Most facilities and programs are accredited.  So there’s absolutely no reason to settle for an unaccredited rehab.

II. Other Important Signs of Quality

Most people want a rehab or program that has these.

• • Qualified to accept insurance reimbursement. Virtually all rehabs are able to receive insurance. So if one does not, that’s very big red flag.
  • Licensed by the state. Incredibly, not all are licensed. Obviously, avoid them.
  • Licensed to provide on-site detox, if needed. Even if detox isn’t needed, being licensed to do so is another sign of quality.
  • Staffed by qualified professionals such as licensed alcohol and drug counselors (LADC). Licensed professional counselors (LPC). Certified addictions counselors (CAC). Or certified co-occurring disorders counselors (CCDP). There are many more credentials available. There’s no reason for any counselor not to have at least one such credential. So protect yourself against inexperienced and unqualified counselors.
  • Based on a philosophy with which they agree.
  • Either located nearby or in a “swimming pool state” such as Florida, California, or Arizona. They also prefer good physical facilities with private bedrooms, a friendly staff, and good food.
  • But accreditation is much more important than all of these combined!

III. Resources

Joint Commission.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities(CARF).

Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).

Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

Note. This site gives no advice.