The assessors' final 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 with accredited status.
Accreditation is for a three-year period.
The Commission furnishes the agency with a certificate of accreditation and encourages the agency to arrange for a formal presentation ceremony in its community. Maintaining Compliance and Reaccreditation To maintain accredited status, the accredited agency must remain in compliance with applicable standards. The agency submits annual reports to the Commission attesting to their continued compliance or reporting any changes or difficulties they have 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. At the conclusion of the three-year period, the Commission offers the agency an opportunity to repeat the process and continue their accredited status into the future.