Accreditation is a process in which an organization outside the health care institution, usually non-governmental, assesses the institution to determine if it meets a set of standards designed to improve quality of care. When accreditation standards are implemented, healthcare organizations are required to continually monitor structures, processes, and outcomes, measure indicators, evaluate, and improve the quality of healthcare services.
The HCAC accreditation process is a structured, organizational performance assessment designed to encourage continuous quality improvement. In working with health care institutions, HCAC underlines the accreditation process as a way of identifying conditions of unsafe practices and as a risk reduction activity with the aim of improving the quality of care and services.
Our approach to fostering continuous quality improvement focuses on four key areas, with “The Patient” at heart of our commitment.
The HCAC standards cover all aspects of patient and client care and service as well as the organizational systems that support the provision of care and service. The surveys are done by health professionals and managers whose expertise and credibility are recognized and respected in the health care sector.
HCAC accreditation is granted for a period of two years to organizations that have demonstrated that they fully meet the requirements of HCAC internationally accredited standards.
Definition
“Recognition of a health care facility or program that it has met the defined number of standards for quality and safety of their services and that it can be recognized for its meeting the standards for a limited period of time”
HCAC By-laws
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