Accreditation VS Certification - What's the Difference?

We are asked quite regularly by staffing agencies, just what is the difference between accreditation as offered by SAS and certification awarded by other competitors. I'm going to try and lend my musings to the explanation we at SAS feel best describes the differences.

Accreditation is a status awarded by a non-governmental body to an organization, program or instition that has been found to meet or exceed stated standards or criteria of quality performance.

Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics (policies or procedures usually) of an organization. This confirmation is often, but not always, provided by some form of external review, education, or assessment. For example, our primary competitor certifies an entire organization while only site reviewing 25% of branch offices.

Accreditation assures quality and assists in the improvement of the organization, program or institution and implies so much more than just characteristics being present. Our processes signal to the client base that an organization has apppropriate purposes; has the resources to accomplish those purposes; demonstrates that it accomplishes those purposes through proper oversight and that it will continue to accomplish those purposes through continuos process improvement.

Perhaps one of the most compelling differences is the period of credentialing. Accreditation is a three year cycle, while cetification is generally 1-2 years, rarely more than a 2 year cycle. Even on a 2 year cycle, it is more costly and intrusive to choose certification.

There are other differences, but the above are the most prominent. If you have anything to add, we would welcome the input or discussion. Take Care!

Colleen Mills

Introduction:

As a nurse, former hospital administrator and owner of a healthcare staffing agency in Texas, I am passionate about quality patient care and inspired to motivate others in the healthcare staffing industry to continuously exceed performance expectations! SAS is an advocate for the healthcare staffing industry, working to create an environment that continuously decreases risks and improves practices through the process of accreditation. SAS was the FIRST to publish a book of standards to guide the staffing industry in areas of ethics, compliance, credentialing and best practices leading to quality improvement. We pride ourselves on the fostered trust and partnership established with our clients.