However overwhelming the process of accreditation for your hospice business may seem, it’s actually a fairly straightforward process with four basic steps. Each of those steps could require some research and preparation, so be sure you’re aware of the process from beginning to end before you even get started. This guide to hospice accreditation will give you the opportunity to prepare at each juncture in the journey.
Some states will have different requirements and steps, so if you live in California, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, or Wisconsin, click the name of your state to see the specific requirements for these states. Otherwise, the steps below will carry you through the accreditation process.
Prior to applying for accreditation with CHAP, you must have a license. The process is a bit different, depending on your where you live and what restrictions may be involved. Some states or areas require a business license and then a hospice license, while others—like Texas— don’t.
Accreditation Agreement
Your next step in the guide to hospice accreditation is as easy as it sounds: apply for accreditation with CHAP, or Community Health Accreditation Partner. You’ll need to have a few things on hand before you start the application process, so you may want to consider organizing these things before you click the application link. Have ready your service license, which is required by the state where you live. You’ll also need your Employee ID Number and your National Provider information.
Once you’ve applied for your accreditation, you’ll then execute the contract and pay the necessary fees. Congratulations! Your first step is complete.
Prepare for Site Visit
While most of the preparation isn’t necessarily monitored or judged during the accreditation process, you’ll be glad you followed the process. First, register and walk through CHAPLinQ to familiarize yourself with the process as a whole. You’ll find a lot of helpful information, including the standards you’ll need to meet and readiness tools to help you prepare.
With all the information in hand, you can begin preparing for your site visit, where you’ll welcome the Director of Accreditation and the CHAP team into your facility to demonstrate your readiness to provide service. When you’re prepared, participate in a readiness call, where a visit will be scheduled.
Prior to your site visit, you will admit your survey patients and set up your personnel files and administrative needs. Once you have completed these and the other steps in the survey readiness tab at CHAPLinQ, you will be ready for your site visit.
On-Site Visit
After indicating that you’re ready for a site visit through CHAPLinQ and participating in the readiness call, you’ll welcome the team to your organization for accreditation survey. The team will direct the visit, but you’ll need to be on hand and ready to answer any questions and provide any requested documentation.
After the visit, you’ll receive an evaluation and any necessary corrections. In return, you’ll need to submit a Plan of Correction and complete the corrections. Once the corrections have been made, you’ll be ready for the final determination.
Accreditation Determination
The CHAP Board of Review will make a final accreditation decision and inform you of your status. After receiving accreditation, the journey isn’t complete. Keep in mind that you’ll undergo regular surveys to ensure that you’re meeting adequate care standards. By working at all times to adhere to the CHAP Standards of Excellence, you can be sure that every survey is a breeze.
Now, as easy and straightforward as all of this sounds, you may find that you need some help along the way. Working with a consultant can better prepare you at all stages, whether to complete the necessary paperwork accurately the first time or to best prepare for your first site visit so that you have no surprises on the big day. If you’d like the help of an expert guide through the accreditation process, don’t hesitate to reach out.
