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
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2 comments:
Let me be direct, I am very aware of the name recognition of Joint Commission and their services. At times I have been disappointed with the outcome of the service provided. Convince me that SAS offers something more that makes them a better choice for me as a healthcare staffing agency owner.
Is credentialing/accreditation really cost effective for any of us? Does it really matter at all?
Well Anonymous, my bias will certainly show here - of course accreditation matters. It matters for prospective staff and clients, it matters for current clients and the patient’s in the bed cared for by your staff. It matters because it validates efforts to provide quality care and services to all stakeholders.
I can understand your disappointment in former encounters with Joint Commission. I didn't relish interaction with them as an administrator in the hospital and took great pains to create an accrediting body whose process and approach was very different than JC's, yet accomplishes the same goal -validating Excellence Through Evidence.
There are many differences I can point out, but in the interest of time and space I'll highlight only a couple here. First, we are dedicated to a philosophy of process improvement through education and focusing on the positives found in the agency. We certainly deal with the shortcomings but by focusing on education we see agencies get more efficient, more focused on building on the positives and more committed to partnership with their clients rather than a "vendor" mentality.
Another important point is that we are a 3 year accreditation cycle, while the JC is a 2 year certification cycle. Why should you be placed on a more rigid credentialing schedule than the clients you serve? On a 2 year cycle, an agency could have little breathing room to strategize and develop new programs because the time is primarily spent getting ready for the next survey.
Our consultation hours are free, if you need a policy or procedure that we might have developed; I’ll give it to you so as not to reinvent the wheel. As I said, education and focus on the positive aspects of your business is paramount to us.
Perhaps the most important reason we are a better choice lays in our strong and dedicated advocacy efforts for this industry. We have a very good track record there and I am happy to share some of that if you want to call me. As a matter of fact, do call me so I can share some of the other many issues that set us apart from Joint Commission. I can be reached at 877.723.0372 and I'll look forward to the discussion.
Take Care,
Colleen Mills
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