CARF Accreditation: A Testament to OneEighty’s Commitment to Quality Care
Trish Staiger is a pivotal team member at OneEighty, playing a key role in maintaining our organization’s high standards of care. As the Director of Quality Improvement and Innovation, she oversees many operational aspects, ensuring our non-profit continues to excel in providing behavioral health and addiction recovery services. A major responsibility for Trish is guiding OneEighty through the CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) [1] [MF2] accreditation process, a comprehensive review highlighting the quality of our services. Under her leadership, OneEighty has earned three consecutive three-year CARF accreditations, the highest recognition possible. This achievement showcases our ongoing commitment to excellence and ensures we consistently meet rigorous industry standards, enhancing trust with clients and our surrounding communities.
What is CARF Accreditation?
CARF is a nonprofit organization that accredits human services providers. Obtaining CARF accreditation is a rigorous process that involves a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s policies, procedures, and practices. It signifies that the organization meets the highest quality standards in delivering its services.
As Trish explains, “CARF accreditation is like a passport, ensuring that we meet all the quality compliance standards required to provide exceptional behavioral healthcare.” She continues by saying it means the agency “has set up a structure to look at things like succession planning, responsible management of funds, and training requirements for individuals providing direct care.” This accreditation assures that OneEighty is meeting the highest quality standards, particularly in behavioral healthcare, and consistently improving to provide our clients with the best services.
Trish highlighted that preparing for CARF accreditation at OneEighty is a continuous process. Our organization doesn’t scramble at the last minute to meet CARF standards but integrates them into daily operations. “They felt like our organization was breathing CARF,” she mentioned, sharing that the surveyors observed how policies and practices were updated regularly and that staff were well-prepared and trained.
OneEighty has been CARF accredited since 2017, making this our third consecutive three-year accreditation, the highest honor CARF offers. Trish stated, “Since then, we’ve had three surveys, and all three surveys have awarded us with a three-year accreditation.”
The Importance of CARF Accreditation
CARF accreditation is crucial for several reasons. From a practical standpoint, it affects how organizations interact with insurance companies and government funding entities. Trish explained, “There are insurance companies that will not develop a contract with you if you do not have some type of accreditation.” Accreditation acts as a signal that OneEighty is providing high-quality, evidence-based services that reassure clients and their families during stressful times. When it comes to our clients, this achievement also demonstrates OneEighty’s commitment to:
Client Confidence
For individuals seeking support, the CARF accreditation provides peace of mind. Clients can trust that OneEighty not only meets but exceeds the highest quality standards in behavioral healthcare. This confidence is crucial, especially for those navigating the complexities of addiction recovery or mental health challenges. Knowing they are receiving care from a CARF-accredited organization assures clients and their families that they are in capable hands, which can significantly impact their recovery journey.
Client Safety
CARF accreditation requires OneEighty to prioritize the safety and well-being of its clients. By implementing rigorous safety protocols and maintaining a supportive environment, our organization creates a secure space for individuals seeking treatment.
Continuous Improvement
CARF accreditation is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process. The rigorous standards required by CARF push OneEighty to continuously evaluate and improve our programs and services. Through regular assessments and updates, OneEighty ensures that our treatment programs remain innovative, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of our clients. This results in evidence-based therapies, more efficient service delivery, and enhanced client outcomes.
Community Trust
CARF accreditation is a powerful symbol of trust and reliability for Wooster and the other communities we serve. When individuals and families are seeking behavioral health services, they can have confidence in OneEighty’s ability to provide high-quality care.
Ultimately, the CARF accreditation helps foster a culture of excellence at OneEighty, where clients, staff, and the community can trust that the organization is consistently delivering top-tier, compassionate care.
Continuing to Look Toward the Future
As OneEighty moves forward, the CARF accreditation will continue to serve as a cornerstone for our commitment to quality care. The standards set by CARF are not just benchmarks to be met but guiding principles that will help shape our nonprofit’s future efforts in behavioral health and addiction recovery.
Trish emphasizes the impact of the accreditation on the surrounding communities, stating, “I think it’s also something to be proud of in our community that we have an agency that met this rigorous threshold. People don’t have to travel to receive services. We have that level of quality, and I think we can be proud of that.”
With CARF as a driving force, OneEighty is positioned to continue our mission of empowering individuals and families, providing them with the resources, support, and compassionate care they need to build healthier, brighter futures.
OneEighty Resources
For those encountering a substance use crisis, please call OneEighty’s Substance Use Crisis hotline, available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, at 330-466-0678. For other resources, click the links below:
Community Relations & Prevention
Substance Use Treatment Navigator Hotline
Intimate Partner & Domestic Violence booklet (Wayne County)Self-Help Legal Manual
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