The assessment team leader assessor writes a report of the team's findings, which is forwarded through staff to a Review Committee of Commissioners. During hearings conducted at its meetings held three times a year, the Commission evaluates assessment reports, receives testimony and either awards, or defers recognition. If it defers an agency's recognition, the Commission provides an outline of the deficiencies that must be corrected in order to gain full compliance with applicable standards. 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 recognized status.
Recognition is for a period of three years.
The agency is given an opportunity to critique the entire process following the award of recognition. The Commission furnishes the agency with a certificate of recognition and encourages the agency to make arrangements for a formal presentation ceremony in its community. To maintain recognized status, the recognized 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.