Message from CARF CEO regarding coronavirus
The safety and well-being of all persons is CARF’s foremost priority. CARF has postponed all surveys with start dates of March 16 through May 31, 2020. We continue to schedule future site surveys, subject to limitations imposed by COVID-19.
CARF recognizes that organizations are challenged to continue delivery of quality health and human services while remaining solvent and maintaining compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations. Organizations that implement the CARF standards are well positioned to support and protect their stakeholders and enhance the lives of persons served. However, the future course and effects of the pandemic are unknown, and it is uncertain when close, in-person interactions can resume safely.
For these reasons, CARF developed the Digitally Enabled Site Survey program (DESS) for implementation starting with accreditation surveys in June 2020. Although CARF intends for this program to be time limited, it will remain in effect (in full or in part) until the environment returns to conditions deemed safe for the traditional on-site survey approach. Most CARF accreditation surveys are eligible to participate in DESS; however, exclusions may apply. If your organization has an eligible upcoming survey, CARF will provide the survey key contact with information about DESS.
While implementing new accreditation service offerings, we wish to remind our customers that some of CARF's processes are automated to maintain regular communication and support adherence to the accreditation timeline. We understand that organizations may face extenuating circumstances and are committed to ensuring support of accredited programs and programs seeking accreditation. Please contact your organization's assigned resource specialist to assist with any necessary adjustments to accreditation timeframes or any other support your organization may need.
CARF continues to monitor and assess the evolving situation and appropriately respond based on guidance issued by public health authorities. We will communicate updates on this webpage if there are additional changes to CARF’s activities.
We hope you, your staff, and the persons you serve are safe and well. We commend our accredited programs for their courageous work and doing their very best to ensure continued quality services to the persons served and their communities.
Regards,
Brian J. Boon, Ph.D.
President/CEO
For updated information about upcoming in-person CARF trainings, please visit the
Events page.
For more coronavirus information, please visit:
Community resources and
information from our partners:
(The following links will open in a new browser tab.)
AARP COVID-19 Resources
Action Alliance COVID-19 Resource Page
ACRM COVID-19 Resource Page
American Academy of Neurology COVID-19 Resource Center
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation COVID-19 Resource Page
American Hospital Association COVID-19 Resource Page
American Psychiatric Association COVID-19 Resource Page
American Psychological Association COVID-19 Resource Page
AMRPA COVID-19 Resource Page
Argentum COVID-19 Resource Page
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses COVID-19 Resources for Rehabilitation Professionals Page
Best Buddies COVID-19 Resource Page
CMSA COVID-19 Resource Page
Child Welfare League of America COVID-19 Resource Page
Department of Veterans Affairs COVID-19 FAQ Page
LeadingAge COVID-19 Resource Page
National Adult Day Services Association COVID-19 Resource Page
National Association of Social Workers COVID-19 Resource Page
National Council for Behavioral Healthcare COVID-19 Resource Page
Network of Jewish Human Services Agencies COVID-19 Resource Page
Medical Rehabilitation in Pandemics: Towards a New Perspective
Accepted paper in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine about the unprecedented challenges the rehabilitation community faces during this pandemic due to increased demand for rehabilitative care to COVID-19 patients during their recovery phase.
Last updated: May 20, 2020