Spectrum Health Systems and the New England Recovery Center take great pride in being Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited addiction treatment providers. We work hard to ensure all our services, operations and employees are top-notch and up to standard every single day, because we believe it’s an essential component of good treatment. So, we sat down with our resident accreditation expert, Dennis Theriault, to share some important information with you.
What is CARF accreditation?
CARF provides the premier behavioral health accreditation for reputable treatment facilities and providers. Every three years, they visit our inpatient and outpatient treatment centers and measure our compliance to 800 to 1,200 different standards depending on the level of care. The types of things they look for are important and include safety, emergency planning, medical policies and procedures, clinical services, business processes, financial planning, strategic planning and service development. Essentially, they ensure that we have a high-standard of care and plans in place to remain a viable treatment provider for the future.
There are a number of accreditations for treatment centers, but CARF is unique in its focus on the entire spectrum of behavioral health, not just addiction. Spectrum Health Systems is fully committed to treating more than the disease of addiction – mental health is a key component to recovery and sustained sobriety.
What does accreditation mean for Spectrum Health Systems and New England Recovery Center?
Put simply, it means that we are ensuring the best possible treatment for our clients and a well-functioning and forward-thinking workplace for our employees. On our most recent CARF survey of our outpatient centers, those visits turned up zero recommendations. That means that Spectrum Health Systems is 100 percent in compliance with all of CARF’s stringent regulations – something that is only achieved by three percent or less of providers nationally every year.
Why is it important for folks seeking treatment to look for CARF accreditation?
CARF accreditation can provide those struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones, the reassurance that the treatment they’re pursuing offers a certain standard of care. Not all providers seek CARF accreditation so it’s important to do your homework before selecting a treatment facility.
You can search for accredited providers on the CARF website.
Dennis Theriault is the Executive Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance, responsible for accreditation surveys and licensing of all kinds at Spectrum Health Systems. He has also been a CARF surveyor for 10 years, in which he surveys and provides recommendations to treatment centers outside of New England.
