A facility that meets certain standards of quality. These standards are set by private, nationally recognized groups that check on the quality of care (staff and equipment) at health care facilities usually every 3 years. Accreditation can be awarded by two organizations: The Joint Commission and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The Joint Commission has six levels—the lowest is not accredited and the highest is accredited with commendation. AOA has several levels, the lowest level being denial of accreditation and the highest being accreditation with resurvey within 3 years. State or federal governments can recognize accreditation in lieu of, or as the basis for, licensure or other mandatory approvals.
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Official approval by The Joint Commission (TJC) that the hospital facility has met the quality and high standards after their scrutiny. TJC accredits clinics, hospitals, and other federal and military facilities. See Joint Commission, The .