About the Program
The Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) is proud to serve as the accrediting authority for Congregate Living Health Facilities (CLHF). Our program is designed to ensure that facilities meet rigorous standards through a structured, transparent survey process. From initial application to triennial reviews, CIHQ accreditation reflects a facility’s commitment to safe, high-quality care and continuous improvement.
Accrediting Authority:
Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality
Accredited Program(s):
Congregate Living Health Facility
Survey Outcomes:
Pass / Fail. As long as an acceptable plan of correction has been submitted, the facility passes its survey.
Duration of Accreditation:
36 months
Survey Notification:
Survey is announced
Initial Survey:
Occurs within 4 months of application acceptance
Reaccreditation Surveys:
Occur every 36 months. Window is between 34–36 months since last full survey
Survey Length:
One to two days depending on size of facility
Survey Team:
One clinical (nurse) surveyor
Annual Internal Assessments:
Not required
Notification of Sentinel Events:
Not required
Reporting of Complaints:
Reporting is done through the State licensure agency
Survey Activities:
- Opening conference
- Review of policies and procedures
- Tour of the facility and care areas
- Review of medical records
- Review of personnel files and training records
- Review of physician credential files
- Observation of care practices
- Exit Conference