Patient Care Facility Accreditation Guide

Once your facility meets all eligibility criteria and complies with the Standards, you can begin the online application process. New applicants must complete the online form to create an account, begin the application process, and access the accreditation portal. Accreditation primary and support contacts for renewing facilities must use their individual login information to access the accreditation portal and can view their managed facilities within their dashboard.

Each facility must have a separate completed application and accreditation fee submitted in the online portal; each facility needs to have its own on-site survey and review of findings. You must apply for all products and services your facility currently provides, as well as apply for all operational facilities within your organization. Complete all fields, and include the non-negotiable, non-refundable accreditation fee to submit your online application. An incomplete application or missing documentation will delay your accreditation process.

Do not submit your application until you meet the eligibility criteria and become compliant with the Facility Accreditation Standards. Submitting your application signifies that your facility is available for an on-site survey.

The following items are required with your completed online application:

•  Accreditation fee (non-negotiable and nonrefundable)
•  Valid email address to receive communication from ABC
•  Valid mobile phone number for the accreditation support contact
•  Proof of certification and/or state licenses of staff providing patient care services
•  Legal documentation of ownership
•  Occupancy License/Permit OR Operating or Business License/Permit OR State Sales Tax Certificate
•  Surety Bond
•  Narrative of your criminal history (if applicable)
•  Policy & Procedure Manual
•  Employee Manual
•  Mission Statement

If necessary, we may require additional information or clarification to finalize the review of your application. All information and documents are solely used by ABC and its surveyors or as required by law. All submissions are handled in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations.

After you submit your application, you will receive email confirmations at each step of the accreditation process.

Accreditation Primary and Support Contacts

Accreditation primary and support contacts are authorized facility users designated by you who have access to your accreditation portal for your facility or group of facilities. You may designate up to four accreditation support contacts. You may rescind access of an individual at any time by emailing accreditation@abcop.org.

Late Applications

If your facility is currently accredited by ABC, it is your responsibility to submit a completed reaccreditation application by the established deadline. Failure to submit your application by the deadline results in:

• Late application fee assessed per facility
• Delays in your application processing and survey time frames
• Potential gap in accreditation

To comply with CMS, accreditations cannot be extended or retroactively granted.

Incomplete Applications

If your application is missing information or staff needs additional clarification, ABC will contact you by email. Requested materials must be received by the final deadline indicated in the correspondence. If the application remains incomplete by the deadline, ABC will deny the application and forfeit application fees. A new application and fees are required after application denial.

Falsification of your Application

If ABC discovers false or misleading information or misrepresentation of accreditation status, ABC may deny the application, deny reapplication, revoke existing ABC accreditations or credentials, refer the matter to the Professional Ethics Committee, or pursue legal action.

Office Hours

Onsite surveys are conducted during the facility’s days and hours of operation as reported on the application. Facilities must ensure that these hours accurately reflect their posted public hours and promptly notify ABC of any schedule changes that occur while awaiting an onsite survey.

Application Hold Request Policy

If your facility is not ready for survey, is undergoing a major change, or will be unavailable for more than 14 total or consecutive days, contact your accreditation support representative to place the application on hold. A hold removes the application from the survey queue and may remain in effect for up to six months. Hold and reactivation requests must be submitted in writing to accreditation@abcop.org.

Please be advised that placing your application on hold does not extend your current accreditation expiration date. Your facility remains responsible for completing the accreditation process before its current accreditation expires to avoid a lapse in accreditation.

Administrative Offices and Warehouse Locations

All related administrative locations and product warehouses must submit their own application and complete an on-site survey. Submit applicable fees with the application. When submitting an application for an administrative office or warehouse, please upload a document under Supporting Documents that details the types of activities being conducted/documents being housed at the administrative office or types of products being housed at the warehouse. 

Third Party Consultant Materials Policy

Third-party materials and services are not reviewed or endorsed by ABC, and ABC does not recommend particular consultants. Facilities may use third-party services at their discretion but are not required to do so.