The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an international, not-for-profit organization that represents the interests of persons served by establishing comprehensive standards that cover all hospital operations and services.  There are standards for:

• Hospital leadership (e.g., strategic planning, risk management, health and safety, technology, performance improvement, etc.);
• The rehabilitation service and process for adults and children (e.g., admission, assessments, team responsibilities, family involvement, education, physical environment, etc.);
• The comprehensive integrated inpatient rehabilitation program (e.g., nursing services, outcomes, medical services, continuum of services, etc.); and
• Specialty programs that provide services for specific diagnoses or patient populations (e.g., amputation, pediatrics, cancer, stroke, etc.).

CARF conducted its triennial accreditation survey at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in October 2016.  Five surveyors from different rehabilitation facilities from across the country reviewed our overall inpatient rehabilitation program for adults and children, as well as four specialty programs which included amputation, stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury and disease.  Over the course of two days, surveyors made observations throughout the hospital, conducted interviews with Team Members and patients, and reviewed written materials to ensure all CARF standards were being met.  The results of the survey were particularly positive, and MedStar NRH earned a three-year accreditation for all programs that were under review.  CARF accreditation is a sign to our patients and other stakeholders that we have met hundreds of stringent standards that ensure high quality services.

The CARF surveyors were very consultative, and reported on our many strengths.  For example, CARF praised our executive and program level leadership, performance improvement systems and practices, participation in clinical and academic research, the deliberate involvement of patients and families, community partnerships, therapeutic recreation, the NCCR school teacher, the use of technology, our emphasis on safety, and so much more.

About MedStar National Rehabilitation Network

The MedStar National Rehabilitation Network is a regional system of rehabilitation care that offers inpatient, day treatment and outpatient services in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia and Delaware.

The Network’s interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts provides comprehensive services to help people recover as fully as possible following illness and injury.  Rehabilitation medicine specialists, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists work hand-in-hand with other rehab professionals to design treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Rehabilitation plans feature a team approach and include the use of state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical treatment based on the latest rehabilitation research.  

The Network provides comprehensive programs specifically designed to aid in the rehabilitation of adults and children recovering from neurologic and orthopaedic conditions such as amputation, arthritis, back and neck pain, brain injury, cancer, cardiac conditions, concussion, fibromyalgia, foot and ankle disorders, hand and upper extremity problems, MS, Parkinson’s, post-polio syndrome, stroke, spinal cord injury and disease, and sports and work-related injuries.

Inpatient and day treatment programs are provided at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital located in Northwest Washington, D.C., and at more than 50 outpatient sites conveniently located throughout D.C., Baltimore, and all of Maryland, Northern Virginia, & Delaware.  MedStar National Rehabilitation Network is fully accredited by The Joint Commission,  the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with CARF accredited specialty programs for Amputations, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke.

For more on MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and to find a location near you, log on to MedStarNRH.org