How to Prepare for Accreditation: ACHC vs CHAP vs Joint Commission

Preparing for Home Health Accreditation in California

Securing accreditation from accrediting bodies such as ACHC, CHAP, or The Joint Commission can streamline your agency’s licensure process and ensure alignment with both federal and California state standards.

Understanding Accreditation & State Licensure in California

• Home health agencies in California must first be licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) under Title 22 regulations.

• Accreditation bodies with CMS deeming authority—like ACHC, CHAP, and The Joint Commission—can conduct surveys that substitute for state and federal inspections, giving dual benefit for accreditation and Medicare compliance.

Preparing for Accreditation: Common Steps for All Agencies

1. Confirm Agency Licensing Status

• Ensure your agency is licensed or in the licensure process with CDPH. Prepare application materials and organizational documentation.

2. Assemble a Complete Policies & Procedures Manual

• Develop policies in line with California Title 22 requirements, as well as CMS Conditions of Participation (CoPs). Having a unified manual reduces duplicated work across different standards.

3. Review Accreditation Standards

• Obtain and review the specific accreditation standards from your accreditor and cross-reference with California and federal regulations.

4. Prepare Your Documentation for Survey

• Organize your organizational chart, staff files, care documentation, patient records, QAPI documentation, infection control, and emergency preparedness protocols.

5. Conduct Internal Audits / Mock Surveys

• Identify gaps in compliance with CoPs and Title 22; address these proactively before the formal survey.

Accreditation-Specific Considerations in California

ACHC

• Agencies can apply for both licensure and accreditation. The accreditor works alongside CDPH to coordinate the licensure survey.

• The agency submits the application to CDPH and notifies the accreditor. Once ready, a one-day licensure survey by ACHC may be scheduled in coordination with CDPH.

CHAP

• As a longstanding accreditor with CMS deeming authority, CHAP surveys agencies against both CMS CoPs and California standards.

• Prepare your agency using CHAP’s Licensure Standards of Excellence for California to ensure alignment with state expectations.

The Joint Commission

• Recognized across all 50 states, including California, as a valid accreditor for both Medicare participation and state licensure.

• Surveyors are experienced in California home health standards and focus on patient safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Survey Readiness Checklist

Why Accreditation Matters for California Agencies

• Accreditation with CMS-deemed bodies such as ACHC, CHAP, or The Joint Commission often fulfills the state licensure requirement, potentially reducing duplicative inspections.

• The process reinforces alignment with patient safety, quality care standards, and regulatory compliance, setting your agency on a path for consistent excellence.