
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:
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Measures your organization’s conformance to CARF standards.
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Identifies strengths and uncovers gaps that require attention.
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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:
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A short set of Yes / Somewhat / No questions.
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Designed to highlight general strengths and gaps.
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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).