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Professional team conducting a CARF Readiness Assessment by reviewing compliance documents and accreditation requirements together.

CARF Readiness Assessment

A structured approach to uncover gaps and prepare for CARF Accreditation

Preparing for CARF Accreditation takes more than good intentions — it requires a gaps analysis of your organization’s conformance to CARF standards. A CARF Readiness Assessment (also known as a CARF self-assessment) is a vital step in this preparation.

It helps you identify what you’re already doing well and where improvements are needed before survey.

What is a CARF Readiness Assessment?

​A CARF Readiness Assessment is a structured self-evaluation that:

  • Measures your organization’s conformance to CARF standards.

  • Identifies strengths and uncovers gaps that require attention.

  • Provides a roadmap for preparing for a successful accreditation survey.

It is part of your organization’s internal preparation process — a foundation for confident and effective accreditation readiness.

Think you’re prepared? Test yourself with our Free CARF Readiness Snapshot Tool.

 This snapshot only touches on a few selected CARF standards. It’s a quick self-check — not the full picture.

This tool is:

  • A short set of Yes / Somewhat / No questions.

  • Designed to highlight general strengths and gaps.

  • A conversation starter — not a substitute for the full readiness assessment.

CARF Readiness Assessment Questionnaire

​(Sample – Not all CARF standards are included)

This tool is designed to help organizations reflect on a few key CARF-related standards. The questions below represent a sample only and are not intended to cover the full scope of accreditation requirements.

Corporate Compliance

Have you documented a designated staff member to serve as the organization’s compliance officer?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Do you have written procedures for reporting compliance concerns, including anonymous reporting options?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Are compliance issues and resolutions documented and reviewed by leadership or the compliance officer?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Legal Compliance

Has your organization implemented written procedures to guide personnel in responding to subpoenas, search warrants, investigations, and other legal actions?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Do you have written procedures that address timeframes for documentation in client records (e.g., intake, progress notes, service plan updates, discharges)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Are staff trained and knowledgeable about these legal procedures (including documentation timeframes and response protocols)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Risk Management

Has your organization implemented a written risk management plan?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Does the risk management plan include identification of loss exposures (e.g., financial, operational, clinical, legal, reputational)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Does the plan include analysis of loss exposures (likelihood and impact, root causes, mitigation strategies)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Is the risk management plan reviewed and updated regularly (at least annually, or sooner if significant risks are identified)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Performance Measurement & Management

Has your organization implemented a Performance Measurement and Management (PMM) Plan?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Does the plan identify measures for service delivery objectives in each program/service seeking accreditation (Effectiveness, Efficiency, Access)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Does the plan include the experience of services received and other feedback from persons served?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Does the plan include the experience of services and other feedback from other stakeholders (e.g., referral sources, community partners, payers)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

Has your organization conducted a business continuity/disaster recovery test within the past 12 months?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Was the test analyzed for effectiveness and did it identify areas needing improvement?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Were actions to address identified improvements implemented and evaluated for effectiveness?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Did the organization provide necessary education and training to personnel related to business continuity/disaster recovery?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Is the test and analysis documented in writing (e.g., reports, meeting minutes, or corrective action plans)?
☐ Yes   ☐ Somewhat   ☐ No

Note:

This CARF Readiness Assessment tool covers a small selection of CARF standards across compliance, legal requirements, risk management, performance measurement, and disaster recovery. If gaps are identified, a more comprehensive gap analysis may be necessary to ensure full organizational readiness for accreditation.

⚠️ Important: This snapshot is just the starting point. It does not replace a full CARF self-assessment and does not review all standards.

Ready to take the next step?
Explore our CARF Readiness Assessment / Mock Survey pricing here or Contact Us Now to discuss your organization’s needs. Prefer to call? Reach us directly at (336-879-3899).

Compass Consultants

With over 15 years of experience and a proven 100% success rate, Compass Consultants provides tailored CARF Accreditation Consulting services to meet your unique needs.

Get in Touch

 Call Now: (336) 879-3899

 Email Us: info@compassconsultants.org

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