Program Accredidation

[Doctor_Magoo]

I am involved in legally exposing a program who has it's accreditation through an agency called CARF. This is the same group who accredits Narconon. Does anyone have any information on this, or any other accrediting bodies?

[Ursus]

I am involved in legally exposing a program who has it's accreditation through an agency called CARF.  This is the same group who accredits Narconon.  Does anyone have any information on this, or any other accrediting bodies?

It is my understanding that CARF is made up of member institutions sanctioning each other's behavior with a rubber stamp.  Very similar to NATSAP.  No teeth, but looks good to gullible parents who imagine it must be credible.

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http://www.carf.org/[/url]

Interested in becoming a CARF surveyor?

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http://www.carf.org/surveyors.aspx?cont ... bility.htm[/url]

Surveyor eligibility requirements
Surveyor applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Current employment in a CARF-accredited organization, or employment by a governmental entity that works to improve the quality of human services
• Five years experience in the field for which the individual is applying, at least three of which are within the last six years
• Ability and willingness to conduct at least three surveys each standards manual year (July 1-June 30), including two in the first six months following initial training
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills and the ability to work well as a team member
• Good time management skills
• Good computer skills and access to a laptop to take on surveys
• Does not currently perform any services for a competing accrediting body

Surveyor expectations
Once trained, all surveyors are expected to:

• Conduct at least three surveys each standards manual year (July 1-June 30), including two in the first six months following initial training
• Travel to domestic and foreign survey locations and stay over Saturday night, as needed
• Be consultative, not inspective, during each survey
• Satisfy CARF's annual continuing education requirements
• Adhere to established guidelines for conducting surveys and surveyor behavior (please see the Surveyor Code of Conduct)

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http://www.carf.org/surveyors.aspx?cont ... onduct.htm[/url]

CARF is committed to the concept of ethical behavior for organizations that are seeking accreditation of their programs and/or services. This expectation for others has been internalized, and a code of conduct has been developed for the surveyor cadre. The purpose of this code is to reflect the high standards of professional conduct to which the surveyors adhere and for which the CARF surveyors have become known.

The surveyor code of conduct is the foundation of the compliance process and guides professional surveyor behavior. It is built on the precept of quality customer service and driven by CARF's mission and values. No code of conduct can identify appropriate moral conduct and ethical behavior for every situation surveyors may encounter; surveyors must also rely on good judgment. Surveyors should support, help, and encourage one another to comply with this code.

As a surveyor, you must follow all policies and procedures in the current Surveyor Policies and Procedures Manual and emulate the following behavior.

[li]Avoid confusing customers; apply standards in a manner consistent with official CARF interpretations.[/li]
[li]Provide useful, bias-free consultation based on active listening.[/li]
[li]Minimize interference with the organization's regular operations.[/li][/list]

[li]Comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and the organization's internal policies.[/li]
[li]Dispose of materials in a manner that will protect confidentiality.[/li]
[li]Avoid disclosing to the organization information learned during interviews with persons served and funding and referral sources if confidentiality has been promised or requested.[/li][/list]

[li]Avoid soliciting employment, personnel, or business opportunities (e.g., distributing business cards for personal gain) until after a subsequent survey decision, in accordance with CARF policy.[/li]
[li]Avoid working for or providing professional services to any entity that accredits in any of the same fields as CARF.[/li]
[li]Avoid accepting from the organization any goods or services valued in excess of $50.00 before, during, or after the survey process.[/li]
[li]Avoid marketing or selling any products or services to the organization or its employees before, during, or after the survey process.[/li]
[li]In a timely way, identify and declare to CARF any relationships with organizations or individuals that would impair, or could be perceived to impair, full and fair application of standards.[/li][/list]

[li]Limit all contact with individuals related to or associated with the organization to survey-related business.[/li]
[li]Treat all persons with dignity and respect.[/li][/list]

[li]Avoid conducting non-survey-related business during the survey, except as necessary to respond to an emergency.[/li]
[li]Avoid distraction from or interference with the survey process due to the presence of surveyor family members.[/li]
[li]Avoid non-survey-related use of cellular telephones during the survey day, except as necessary to respond to an emergency[/li][/list].

[li]Avoid discrimination in any manner based on any individual's race, color, national origin, religion, citizenship status, veteran status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by law.[/li]
[li]Avoid any personal or preconceived ideas, notions, or beliefs that may affect the survey process.[/li]
[li]Acknowledge and allay fears and concerns of organizations and persons served related to the survey process.[/li][/list]

[li]Avoid sexual or other harassment of employees or other representatives of organizations, persons served, or other surveyors, such as oral or written communications or other conduct, including physical conduct that tends to insult, degrade, tease, intimidate, or otherwise harass.[/li][/list]

[li]Avoid inattentive, reckless, or unlawful driving during and on the way to and from the survey.[/li]
[li]Avoid the use of unlawful drugs.[/li]
[li]Avoid the use of alcohol while on site or in excess at other times during the survey.[/li]
[li]Avoid taking unnecessary risks while on the survey.[/li][/list]

CARF's assets are funded almost entirely by the organizations it serves, and CARF's stability is critical to its ability to fulfill its mission.[/color]  Protect CARF's reputation and safeguard its financial, intellectual, technological, and other assets.
Examples

• Submit for payment only actual survey-related expenses not charged to another source, in accordance with CARF guidelines.
• Use the CARF surveyor roster for official CARF business only.
• Use and disclose CARF proprietary materials (e.g., standards manuals, checklists, lists of discriminatory and frequently cited standards, and other copyrighted materials) and other information provided to surveyors solely in their capacity as surveyors only in connection with assigned surveys.
• Avoid speaking on behalf of CARF, other than during the course of the survey, except with CARF's prior consent.
• Avoid violating any laws, and immediately inform CARF of any criminal charges.
• Avoid accepting survey assignments outside areas of competency.

Reporting
Reporting improper surveyor behavior allows CARF to take appropriate remedial actions that promote professionalism and support ongoing compliance. Report to CARF any event you reasonably and in good faith believe is a violation of this surveyor code of conduct. Report in accordance with CARF's corporate compliance policy and procedures.

[Deborah]

Same with JCAHO
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=252890#252890
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=252921#252921

Example of a JCAHO approved program
HLA lied to the state about the services they provided for 12 years to avoid state regulation. They opened a wilderness program, also unlicensed, and told me that these programs weren't required to be licensed in Ga.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=238560#238560

When the state went to investigate the wilderness program they were given one of the longest lists of violations I've ever seen- 33 pages. And this is the man who funded the creation of NATSAP.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=227534#227534

[Anonymous]

CARF, more like BARF!

Thank you Ill be here all week.

[Doctor_Magoo]

Thanks for the information guys.

[Deborah]

When the state went to investigate the wilderness program they were given one of the longest lists of violations I've ever seen- 33 pages. And this is the man who funded the creation of NATSAP.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=227534#227534

Their latest inspection report- 26 more violations
http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.ph ... 705#285705

[psy]

What deb is referring to.  Pretty sad but does not surprise me one tiny little bit.

Sept 2006
This survey is to investigate self-reported GA 00037316.

Based on staff interview the camp failed to provide campers with
a dental examination by a license dentist or a dental hygienist
working under the supervision of a licensed dentist findings
include: During interview with the Director via telephone on
September 26, 2006 he revealed the dental exams are done by a
license hygienist, however she is not supervised by a license
dentist.  In addition the Director revealed the camp will look for
another option to provide for this need.

August 2006
33 pages of Violations. That has to set an all-time record. In addition to numerous violations of record keeping (below):

*on record review and staff interview the camp failed to report hospitalization and possible abuse within 48 hours. The findings include: Record review of Student Case Notes for Camper #4, dated 08/08/2006 revealed he had been hospitalized and stated he was being beaten at the camp and was given a sternum rub. An interview with the Director on August 16, 2006,  revealed he was not aware he had to report all hospitalizations and was not aware he had to report accusation of abuse which the camp felt were false. But, he stated he now understands all alleged abuse must be reported. was previously cited 7/13/05

No more, "thought he was manipulating". What's a "sternum rub"?

on record review and staff interview the camp failed to report possible abuse to the County Department of Family and Children's Services.  The findings include: Record review of Student Case Notes dated 08/08/2006 revealed the camper stated he was being beaten at the camp. An interview with the Director on August 16, 2006,  revealed he was not aware he had to report accusation of abuse which the camp felt were false. But, he stated he now understands all alleged abuse must be
reported.

Based on campers and staff interviews the camp failed to operate in accordance with its' admission policies and procedures when the camp admitted campers for a 3-4 day "intervention" program. The findings include:  During interviews with 20 campers on August 16, 2006,  4 campers (#1,2,3,4) of 20 revealed Ridgecreek conducts an Intervention Program which lasts around 3-4 days. During an interview with the Director on August 16, 2006 the Director revealed Ridgecreek did conduct an Intervention Program for Hidden Lake Academy (HLA).  However, the Director further indicated that this program is no longer active and it was discontinued in May of 2006.  In addition, the Director revealed that there are no policies in place for the Intervention Program. During an interview with the Director, it was further revealed that the campers who were admitted to the intervention program came from HLA and did not go through the usual admission process. In addition, when the surveyor requested to review the records of the campers that participated in the Intervention Program, the Director stated that no records were kept on these campers.

Based on campers and staff interviews, the camp:

*failed to document knowledge of a significant event for a camper within
24 hours. The findings include: Record review of Student Case Notes for Camper #4 revealed an incident took place where he eloped, became injured and taken to the hospital. Record review of employee #1's written account of what he witnessed revealed he had not written his statement prior to this surveyor's request while on site. An interview with employee #1 revealed he had witnessed part of the event but had not completed his statement, but did so upon this surveyor's request.

*failed to provide campers with adequate quality of nutrients while
participating in the intervention program.  The findings include:  
During interview with 20 campers on August 16, 2006, 4 campers (#1,2,3,4) of 20 revealed Ridgecreek conducts Intervention which last around 3-4 days. In addition, campers #1 and #5 stated the camp will take away parts of the MRE (meals ready to eat) as punishment?
During an interview with the Director on August 29, 2006 via telephone, the Director revealed the camp does not use food as punishment, but
sometimes the campers may not like the MRE's and choose not eat the whole meal. In addition, The Director revealed the camp even supplies vegetarian meals when requested.

*failed to conduct daily body checks for campers in the intervention
program. was previously cited 7/13/05 and 6/28/04

Based on campers and staff interviews, prior to admitting students into the Intervention program, the camp--
*failed to admit camper's who met the admission Policies of the Camp.  
*failed to ensure all campers for the intervention program had a medical examination within thirty (30) days prior to admission... In addition, when the surveyor requested to review the records of the campers that participated in the Intervention Program, the Director stated that no records were kept on these campers.  Therefore, there were no medical records available for review.  
*failed to ensure all campers had a dental examination.  was previously cited 7/13/05
*failed to ensure all campers had a psychological evaluation.  was previously cited 6/28/04
*failed to document an intake study.
*failed to complete an intake study to include family relationships, reason  
for placement and developmental history.
*failed to complete an intake study that included documentation of the  
parents expectation of placement and the camper's understanding of placement. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document a description of camper's
personality, behavior and interests. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document camper's school history  
and previous placements. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document campers' legal status and
campers' needs.  was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document immediate and
long-range goals of placement. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document who will be responsible  
for communication with the camp or to document the list of friends who may visit the camper. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document the camper's medical and
dental history. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to complete an intake study to document the camper's religious  
preference.  
*failed to document discussions about placement with campers and  
camper's parents. was previously cited 7/12/06
*failed to document a written agreement, authorization to care for camper,
medical consent and consent to participate in trips and special Activities.
*failed to document an agreement with minimum goals and expectations
for the campers treatment.
*failed to document a financial agreement.
*failed to document an agreement to include a provision for notifying  
parents in the event of absences, medical or dental problems and any other significant events.
*failed to document written material containing items listed above to
camper's parents.
*failed to provide orientation for new campers.
*failed to maintain permanent records with identifying information for all
campers.
*failed to maintain permanent records with identifying information and
emergency contacts.
*failed to maintain permanent records with date of admission and birth
certificates.
*failed to maintain permanent records with a copy of the intake study.
*failed to maintain permanent records with a placement agreement.
*failed to maintain permanent records with treatment plans and
documentation of case reviews.
*failed to maintain permanent records withhealth records, immunizations,
examinations and treatments recommended and received.
*failed to maintain permanent records including reports of significant
events occurring while the child was in care.
*failed to maintain permanent records with discharge date and to whom
the child was discharged.

The plan of correction is due to the surveyor by October 14,
2006.

Notice all the previous citations? Wonder how many times a program can be cited for the same violation without incuring sanctions?

[Rachael]

What's a "sternum rub"?

I know exactly what that means..... Where's the grimacing in pain emoticon? This works I guess:  :cry:

[Anonymous]

Take your knuckle and press as hard as you can on your sternum, the bone that joins your ribs together in the front. Better, yet, have a friend do it to you, because you can't push as hard so you won't get the full experience.  A sternal rub is an incredibly painful procedure that leaves few if any marks.

[Deborah]

Just curious, how do they get kids to hold still while they're being tortured with a sternum rub?
Which class of "therapy" does this fall under?  :rofl:

[Rachael]

I would never have even thought of moving away. I think my knees buckled, but I didn't try to get away. Then again, I knew the consequences of trying to evade. Why use force when mental control is so much more effective. Not to mention the mindfuck you have later from having "allowed" such things to happen to you.

[Karass]

Accredidation is just a meaningless marketing tool to be used against gullible parents. Even so-called independent organization like JCAHO gives their stamp of approval to places that practice quackery and abuse on involuntary inmates.

[Deborah]

I would never have even thought of moving away. I think my knees buckled, but I didn't try to get away. Then again, I knew the consequences of trying to evade. Why use force when mental control is so much more effective. Not to mention the mindfuck you have later from having "allowed" such things to happen to you.

So you're standing during this barbaric "therapeutic" technique?
How long did it go on? Did the number of sternum rubs vary depending on the severity of the offense? Who decided when you'd had enough?
How does this "treat" anger, depression, opposition?
Wonder if Insurance companies would be remotely interested in knowing this is the kind of "treatment" they are paying for.
Hell, when I first heard the term in the HLA forum it sounded like a therapeutic massage for bronchitis.
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?p=245928#245928

So, if it's done in Canadian programs too, it must have been around a while. Are staff actually trained in how to administer an SR?

[AuntieEm]

For those who may be interested:

I had a family member who was sent to Aspen Achievement Academy in Loa, Utah. On their site they boast they are JCAHO accredited (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, pronounced JAY-co).

JCAHO is a nationally-recognized hospital and healthcare certification body, BUT you have to look closer.

Upon further investigation, I found that the type of JCAHO accreditation held by AAA was minimal. It meant things like that they check two forms of ID before administering meds, use standardized abbreviations and acronyms in their written records, and wash their hands. Nothing relating to quality of care or benefit of therapeutic approach, or that they meet some high threshold of care, as I am sure is assumed by many parents.

Here is the report relating to AAA's accreditation from JCAHO.  http://http://www.qualitycheck.org/QualityReport.aspx?hcoid=378621&x=npsg&program=Behavioral%20Health%20Care.  Here is the search page if you want to check on another program. Be sure you read more to learn what the accreditation specifically means. http://http://www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/searchQCR.aspx.


AuntieEm

[Deborah]

July 1, 1996, Three Springs of Duck River (Tennessee), 615-729-5040, no longer provides contract services for children in State of Tennessee custody. This has been the result of a several year plan to reduce the number of State of Tennessee contracted beds. This was accomplished earlier than expected due to their successful effort to gain accreditation through the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). JCAHO accreditation enabled the program to access referrals and payment from sources previously not available. They report the current payer mix at the Duck River program involves approximately 65% private out of pocket pay, 30% managed care pay, and 5% publicly funded through adoption assistance or education funds.

(October 28, 2002) Jared Balmer, Ph.D., Director of Island View, and Oakley School, accepted this past summer, an appointment to the Advisory Committee for Behavioral Health Care Services, which was recently developed by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations (JCAHO).

(August 13, 2003) Sarah Moir, Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions, announced they were recently selected to serve as a test site for a JCAHO pilot project. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization project, Shared Visions-New Pathways, is designed to sharpen the focus of the accreditation process, emphasizing safety and quality of patient care. It “provided CFWTE with valuable feedback… and allowed staff to work with JCAHO surveyors to improve the accreditation process and new standards which go into effect in January, 2004.â€