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6th CARF Survey Goes Smoothly for Special Tree

Surveyors Give High Praise Following June 7-9 Accreditation Visit


Special Tree recently hosted five surveyors from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). During a 3-day period, the surveyors reviewed all aspects of Special Tree’s business practices and brain injury programs to determine conformance to a set of international standards for rehabilitation facilities.

This was the sixth time since 1991 that Special Tree voluntarily submitted to a survey from CARF. In the previous 5 surveys, we obtained the maximum 3-year award of accreditation in various brain injury programs and, we are confident that we will receive another 3-year award based on this most recent survey!

Our newest outpatient location in Midland had their first-ever accreditation and we were pleased that the surveyor found the program and staff to be “quite exceptional.” In addition to previously accredited brain injury programs for outpatient services, residential rehabilitation programs, and long term residential services, we sought accreditation for the first time in brain injury home and community programs. During the exit conference, the surveyors made a few minor recommendations, offered suggestions reflecting their own expertise (nursing, speech therapy, neuropsychology and business) and ideas, and provided numerous positive comments about the quality of Special Tree programs and services, facilities, and staff.

CARF, also known as The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission, is based in Tucson, Arizona and has, since 1966, accredited a wide range of rehabilitation programs in the United States, Canada, and numerous European countries. CARF employs no full time surveyors, instead using rehabilitation professionals employed in rehabilitation programs throughout the US and Canada. This peer-review process provides one way for rehabilitation organizations to maintain a high level of conformance to best practices and continuous improvement in all areas of rehabilitation programming and business operations.

For details on CARF and Special Tree accreditations, contact Mr. Kim Swartz, Director, Rehabilitation Services via phone 734-941-1142 x143 or email at kimswartz@specialtree.com.


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