1. Statement issued by a board or association verifying that a person meets professional standards. 2. Hospital certification means that a hospital has passed a survey done by a state government agency. Although it is similar, it is not the same as being accredited. Certification is usually applied to individuals and accreditation to hospital facilities. Note that Medicare only covers care in hospitals that are certified or accredited. See accreditation. 3. Approval by an insurance payer’s case manager to continue a patient’s care for a certain number of days or visits. 4. In home health plan certification, the physician receives, reviews, adjusts treatment, documents the plan in coordination with the care of the home health agency, and then bills for this service. For subsequent plan adjustment, see home health plan recertification.