A final assessment report is forwarded to the Commission when all applicable standards and required activities have been complied with. The Commission schedules a hearing at one of its meetings, usually the meeting immediately following the on-site assessment. The agency and its Chief Executive Officer are invited to attend, although attendance is not required. At the hearing, the Commission reviews the final report and receives testimony from agency personnel, assessors, staff, or others. If satisfied that the agency has met all compliance requirements, the Commission awards the agency accredited status.
Accreditation is for a period of three years.
The agency is given an opportunity to critique the entire process following the award of accredited status. The Commission furnishes the agency with a certificate of accreditation and encourages the agency to make arrangements for a formal presentation ceremony in its community. To maintain accredited status, the accredited agency must remain in compliance with applicable standards. The agency submits Annual Reports to the Commission attesting to continued compliance and reporting changes or difficulties experienced during the year, including actions taken to resolve noncompliance. If necessary, the Commission reserves the right to schedule interim hearings to consider continuing accredited status if noncompliance becomes a serious issue.