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Questions and Answers about  Accreditation with CQL Canada

How do the Personal Outcome Measures^® fit into the new process?

The Personal Outcome Measures^® remain at the core and center of our work. We affirm their importance and value as a learning, planning and evaluation tool. Listening to and learning from the person is at the center of organizational life. Since they were first introduced by The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) in 1993, the reliability and validity of the measures and the interviewing process have guided our work and the work of hundreds of organizations. Our focus on the person is as strong as ever. This core value is found throughout each section of the Quality Measures 2005^®.

What are the major steps in the new accreditation process?

Application - you make the commitment to engage in the process, complete organizational and demographic information, and provide supporting information about Shared Values, Basic Assurances^® and Personal Outcome Measures^®.

Validation of Shared Values and Basic Assurances^® - you complete self-assessments in these two areas and work with the CQL team in validating the results. Validation usually takes place at your organization and includes focus groups and other meetings, gatherings and visits with people. CQL Canada team members spend time at locations where people are supported, provide a summary of findings, and plan with you for next steps and future visits.

Personal Outcome Measures^® Data Collection and Validation - you gather and summarize data based on interviews and conversations with people and share that with the CQL Canada team (you also have the option of requesting that CQL Canada gather this information). Validation methods for Personal Outcomes data might take different forms at different organizations and typically takes place on-site at your organization.

Responsive Services^® and Community Life^® Validation - you complete self-assessments in these two areas and provide other supporting information. The CQL Canada team visits on-site and the organization provides the results of a community assessment, organizes focus groups and other meetings, and arranges for CQL Canada to observe a person-directed planning meeting.

Accreditation Partnership Agreement - the organization and CQL Canada team together develop a partnership agreement for ongoing collaboration. Included in this agreement are the actions the organization will take to continue the quality journey. It also outlines CQL Canada's responsibilities and contributions that support the organization’s ongoing quality improvement efforts.

What is the usual time frame for completing all these steps?

For most organizations, especially those who have worked with CQL Canada for awhile, the new process will take place over a 6 to 12 month period. For organizations who are newer to our approach or who need to address some findings, the process can extend over a longer time frame.

What happens at the end of the process?

The “end” is actually a new beginning. Accreditation with CQL Canada results in a four-year term, with annual agreements for collaboration. Collaboration links the organization and CQL Canada in a partnership. Together, CQL Canada and the organization measure, analyze and plan. This process is co-evaluative and builds your organizational expertise to learn about and respond to people.

How is the CQL Canada Accreditation decision made?

The team gathers supporting evidence to determine whether the Basic Assurances^® for health, safety and human security for people are in place. Additionally, the team must determine if the organization is fiscally and legally sound. The team evaluates how values are aligned with organizational practices.

The team validates Personal Outcome Measures^® interview data and determines if the focus of personal outcomes and community are integrated.

The team assesses the organization’s processes and management practices and evaluates the organization’s response to quality of Community Life^® issues.

What kinds of organizations can be accredited by CQL Canada?

The range of the services and supports offered by CQL Canada accredited organizations include:

• Service coordination

• Family and individual support

• Behavioral health care

• Employment and other work related day supports

• Residential services of all types

• Leisure Respite Services and supports for people with all types of disability

• Services and supports for families, children and youth

• Services for senior adults

• Networks, as well as individual providers

• And most other human services

How soon before our review should we apply?

Applications should be submitted a minimum of seven months, and sometimes up to a year, prior to the anticipated date of CQL Canada's first on-site visit. However, we encourage organizations to contact CQL Canada as soon as the decision is made so that we may support your efforts.

For more information about the accreditation process download CQL Accreditation: An Integrated Approach to Quality .   The purpose of this manual is to outline the  Accreditation process using the Quality Measures 2005^®. This manual provides an overview of the accreditation process beginning with the Accreditation Application and continuing through the Accreditation Partnership Agreement.