These principles would need to apply regardless of the state of evolution of standards over time. These standards must also be developed, implemented and reviewed in a planned way in consultation with the health care industry. The type of standards is clearly defined. The scope of standards is clearly defined. Standards are formulated through a well-defined process.
Standards are amenable to measurement of performance.
Accreditation for Accreditors Health care accreditation bodies may now apply to ISQua to be internationally accredited. National accreditation organisations can now be accredited after being independently surveyed and evaluated against approved international standards and expectations of performance for national health care accreditation bodies. This process will always include the assessment of the organisation's accreditation standards according to the principles summarised above. The survey framework and international standards were developed through active consultation with accreditation bodies and a pilot peer assessment programme carried out over several years. Successful international accreditation of an accreditation organisation gives it credibility as a standards and monitoring body, confirms it as a quality organisation, reassures its clients, funders and policy makers that it has sound and consistent systems and processes and provides worldwide recognition of its achievement in the health care sector.