ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses accreditation and certification. Accreditation is often a dreaded term for hospitals and quality professionals. Accreditation and certification can be used as learning opportunities and chances to celebrate success. In most organizations, the quality department is significantly involved with accreditation. Because of its importance to the facility, it can be mistakenly felt to be the only focus of the quality department. Most accreditation agencies provide clear pathways for customer service and support. Even if our organization is already established with an accreditation agency, reach out to them to determine our main points of contact, determine annual accountabilities, and establish a communication pathway. Mentioning the word accreditation in healthcare typically elicits feelings of pain and discomfort. An organization that is well organized and ready for an accreditation will start to embrace surveys and welcome them.
