Abstract
This paper describes various accreditation models used in the US in the field of health care. Different models of accreditation and the situations in which they are used are presented. The similarities and differences in models are also discussed. The length of time accreditation is valid and the accrediting body's credentials are also explored. Pertinent research studies are analyzed. The author concludes that the accreditation process, along with accreditation standards and operations must directly involve research participants.

From the Paper
"In the United States accreditation efforts "followed one of two models, although a third model can also be observed". The first of these models consists in supplementing government regulation through accreditation. In this case, accreditation would be considered a mark of excellence held by organizations already regulated by the government. Only a fraction of these entities are accredited. This model was illustrated by the NCQA program (NCQA 2001a). In the United states the organizations are regulated by state insurance departments, state health departments, or DHHS. Accreditation is perceived as an indicator of performance higher than the required minimum."

Tags:accreditation, Institute, of, Medicine, standards, certification, HRPP, IOM

Abstract
This paper discusses the hospital accreditation process as directed by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO). The paper begins with a brief review of the strengths and weaknesses of the process. Then the paper cites criteria for accreditation, including standards and code of ethics.

Tags:JCAHO, Conflict, of, Interest

Abstract
This piece analyzes an article on the accreditation of universities. The slant of the article is that the accreditation system is archaic, pedantic, and has no real utility. Using two supporting article, the author of this piece agrees with the primary article and argues that as college degrees become more important and colleges themselves become more numerous, having valid information on how well a particular school is doing is essential before enrolling. The author goes into detail as to why the current accreditation system is fundamentally flawed and offers some guidelines on how colleges should develop a more honest, accurate, and useful accreditation system more focused on the consumer. The end result will be that college shoppers won't have to rely on the media for such information.

Abstract
This paper examines healthcare licensing and accreditation, focusing on the legality of licensing, as well as the guidelines that have been set out. The paper discusses the specific public health benefits, as well as organizational benefits that the health care accreditation process and organization serve. The paper also briefly looks at different types of accreditation for different areas of healthcare.

From the Paper
"To frame the perspective more comprehensively, further accreditation is available for unconventional forms of health care, such as holistic health care and osteopathy, which does not require and MD for practice (What's an Osteopath?, 2007). We mention these to provide an accurate and comprehensive perspective on the breadth and diversity of accreditation. This is a direct contrast to the licensing process, which takes place specifically at the state level and virtually straightforward process: either one qualifies or they don't. An application is available for viewing in the holistic accreditation process from research (HFAP, 2007), offered as an example of the healthcare practitioner application process in general. Be it licensing or accreditation, each application process asks specific and pointed questions regarding the applicant's qualifications and background."

Tags:standards, credentials, services, protection

Abstract
The writer breaks this paper up into sections explaining what regulation and accreditation are and how one protects the public while the other provides the public with a quality education. The writer refers to regulation and accreditation as a parent-child relationship--one cannot exist without the other. The writer does not feel there are similarities, but that the difference in purpose is what brings them together in an interdependent relationship.

From the Paper
"Higher education is not without its concerns. Federal regulation appears to be of great concern to colleges and universities in the US. Issues such as Pell Grants, National Direct Student Loans, payment for a veteran's education, cooperative education and job placements required, civil rights, affirmative action, data gathering, programs for the handicapped, Vocational Education, disposal of hazardous wastes, fiscal accountability including the IRS Internal Revenue Service requirements and the institutions nonprofit status. The list of concerns is nearly endless when..."

Tags:trust, encouragement, funding

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that professionalism in the field of nursing demands strict self-regulation and continuous improvement of the standard of care through evidence-based recommendations and quality research. The writer notes that professionalism also demands a multi-disciplinary approach in order to arrive at comprehensive, individualized treatment options for the patient. The nurses' roles as researcher, planner, policy-maker, educator, leader and collaborator testify to the ethical responsibilities they share towards patients, colleagues and the populations they affect through their decisions. In practice, the writer maintains that it is the nurse that plays a large part in formulating and implementing patient care plans, evaluating their outcomes and continuously enforcing and improving the quality of care. The writer concludes that accrediting and regulatory bodies are different levels of professional accountability in the nursing profession that protect consumers from unnecessary harm and employers from the legal consequences of the malpractice of individual employees.

Outline:
Introduction
Regulatory Body: Purpose and Scope
Accrediting Body: Purpose and Scope
Similarities and Differences
Conclusion

From the Paper
"From the above, it can be seen that both regulation and accreditation provide different strata of professional accountability as they relate to the practice of safe, comprehensive and competent patient care. Accountability can also be seen in terms of institutional and individual accountability. Institution accreditation, while accountable for educating its graduates according to its own set of mission objectives, philosophy and goals, is no longer directly accountable for any shortcomings of the individual nurse in terms of clinical practice and continuing education. As the nurse enters individual practice, jurisdiction falls to the state nursing boards to determine individual accountability. Another difference is that (in the case of the U.S.), accreditation is done through a nationally recognized agency. This is advantageous in that accredited institutions adhere to a uniform set of accreditation prerequisites, which in effect standardizes core education competencies. Regulatory bodies, in contrast, have a more narrow authority, determined by governmental jurisdiction and specialization. This is advantageous in that individual registered nurses, irrespective of higher education, can be restricted in terms of area of practice and prosecuted according to state law if necessary. Additionally, individuals, rather than institutions, can more easily be restricted in practice and monitored."

Tags:practitioner, certification, quality, programs, patient, care

Abstract
This is a short essay that summarizes the recent strategy for the development of a national Performance Management Data system. The paper explains that this strategy is part of the work of the Public Policy Initiative that has been running since 2001 and it ties together and supports their existing health improvement action plans. The paper asserts that arguably, the strategy is important to the enhancement of healthcare delivery by steering efforts and providing common goals and expectations.

From the Paper
"This essay will summarize a strategy document published in 2008 by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) entitled `Development of a National Performance Measurement Data Strategy'. The JCAHO is a national, not-for-profit organization that establishes benchmark standards for the quality of healthcare provision and accredits healthcare organizations which meet those standards. The Commission works in a wide range of health care settings and has accreditation schemes for..."

Tags:healthcare, standards, strategy

Abstract
This paper examines the licensing and accreditation of a health care facility, specifically a nursing home, in the state of Florida. In particular the paper looks at Adventist Care Center in Orange County, Florida and explores which local state and federal agencies regulate it and ensure that it is upholding its solemn responsibility to provide top flight healthcare for elderly residents.

From the Paper
"The reason for the choice of Adventist Care Center is that Adventist appears to have a number of nursing homes throughout Florida and therefore it is interesting to see how the state and local counties treat a large and apparently growing nursing home franchise in a part of the country that is aging rapidly and already features a high median age. In any case, the paucity of available information is startling in some respects, but every effort will be made to track down those agencies at the local level which ultimately determine which facilities are appropriate for their vital task - and which ones are not."

Tags:licensing, accreditation, florida

Abstract
The paper discusses how professionalism demands strict self-regulation and continuous improvement of the standard of care through evidence-based recommendations and quality research, and also demands a multi-disciplinary approach in order to arrive at comprehensive, individualized treatment options for the patient. The paper shows how the nurses' roles as researcher, planner, policy-maker, educator, leader and collaborator testify to the ethical responsibilities they share towards patients, colleagues and the populations they affect through their decisions. In practice, the paper explains that it is the nurse that plays a large part in formulating and implementing patient care plans, evaluating their outcomes and continuously enforcing and improving the quality of care.

From the Paper
"Professionalism demands strict self-regulation and continuous improvement of the standard of care through evidence-based recommendations and quality research. Professionalism also demands a multi-disciplinary approach in order to arrive at comprehensive, individualized treatment options for the patient. The nurses' roles as researcher, planner, policy-maker, educator, leader and collaborator testify to the ethical responsibilities they share towards patients, colleagues and the populations they affect through their decisions. In practice, it is the nurse that plays a large part in..."

Tags:nursing, regulation, accreditation

Abstract
This paper explains that nursing programs are only available through accredited colleges because it is in the public's best interest to have measured standards providing guidelines for the nursing profession. The author points out that the regulatory requirements of higher education form a foundation for accreditation. The paper outlines the five areas required for institutional accreditation. The author also presents several regulations of nursing education institutions.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Regulatory Purpose
Purpose of Accreditation
Similarities and Differences between Regulation and Accreditation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The 12-Hour Rule was originally drafted to prevent fraud by what is now as "diploma mills". Diploma mills are found mostly in correspondence programs and they usually do not operate on an academic year. An academic calendar maintains a mandatory 12 hour regularly scheduled classroom session each week allowing students to become eligible for federal financial aid. The 12-hour rule was created by the Education Department."

Tags:trust, excellence, value, eligibility, financing