CARF international is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. CARF has been enhancing the quality through standards reflecting innovative practices and leadership in the field internationally. Since 1966, there have been medical rehabilitation standards. AAPM&R has been actively engaged as a collaborative partner in developing and revising medical rehabilitation standards. Many physiatrists are and have been CARF surveyors.
Through accreditation, CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of thier services, demonstration value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards. The accreditation process applies sets of standards to service areas and business practices during an on-site survey, Accreditation, is an ongoing process, signaling to the public that a service provider is committed to continuously improving services. Accreditation also demonstrates a provider's commitment to enhance its performance, manage its risk, and distinguish its service delivery.