Accreditation is essentially a process in which individuals or group (organization) go through steps to ensure competency, authority or credibility. Credentials are typically given to prove competency.

Accreditation is essentially a non-governmental process that is conducted by representatives of certain professional groups. It focuses on the quality of institutions of higher education, and the programs within those organizations. Accreditation is a voluntary process, but it involves status within the education community prospective students and employers. Most agree that credentialing advances the nursing profession by rewarding achievement, insisting on higher quality programs and activities, and changes the manner in which the outside world views the field. Other important reasons include protecting the public and community at large; meeting the needs of the internal and external stakeholders; assuring consumers that professionals have met or exceeded minimum standards; demonstrates the individual or institution's commitment to a profession and professional environment; provides openness and a sense of accomplishment and price (Why Certify? The Benefits of Nursing Certification, 2010).

Part 3

AMC (American Managed Care)

GHAA (Group Health Association of America)

JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)

MHCA (Managed Health Care Association)

NCQA (National Committee for Quality Insurance)

Part 4

Accreditation is voluntary for many organizations, but there are certain restrictions for payments, working within the governmental system, etc. that require accreditation. States require certification for most healthcare professions, and accreditation for some organizations.

Through membership and agreement to go through process, the organization allows a third party to analyze its core business processes, human resources, customer service and financial reporting, etc.

These results are available to the public and help make decisions based on unbiased ratings. Also helps other agencies understand competitive place.

Provides resources to medical personnel and a guide to where the best care may be located.

Helps the political process and public policy decisions process through information dissemination (Scanlon and Hendrix, 1998).

Part 5 -- You will need to either do this or send me information on your particular organization, name, address, url, etc.

REFERENCES

Why Certify? The Benefits of Nursing Certification. (2010, March). Retrieved from Medscape Today: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717805

Scanlon, D. And Hendrix, T. (1998). Health Plan Accreditation. Managed Care Quarterly.

6 (4): 52-61. Retrieved from: http://www.aspenpublishers.com/books/kongstvedt/Readings/Chapter%2026/MCQ%206-4.p52-61.pdf