Quality Management is an essential responsibility for state
human service programs. State systems ensure that procedures are in place to
provide quality assurance and continuous quality improvement of publicly funded
supports and services to people with disabilities, people with mental illness
and older adults.
The state system is responsive to a variety of stakeholders
and constituents, including people receiving services, their families and
supporters, community-based providers, local and federal oversight agencies,
legislators, funders and the public at large. These multiple audiences and, at
times, competing priorities present challenges to efficiency and effectiveness
in the overall quality system.
CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has collaborated
with state systems for over four decades to design and deliver state-wide quality
management models that:
• clarify performance expectations and accountability for
all parties
• streamline work processes
• eliminate duplication of effort and unwarranted
redundancies
• utilize resources efficiently
• ensure compliance with state statute, regulation and
current policy and practice
• contain costs while assuring the delivery of quality
supports and services to people with disabilities, people with mental illness
and older adults
CQL Accreditation – A Balanced Approach
Accreditation works as an integral component of the state’s
Quality Management system by providing an independent assessment of service
quality. CQL has transformed its accreditation program to address the wide
range of support options available through Home and Community Based Services
waivers.
CQL Accreditation emphasizes excellence in person-centered
services. CQL Accreditation can support informal community networks, micro
boards, small support organizations and more traditional community services.
CQL accredits support options in disabilities, behavioral health and aging.
CQL Accreditation includes:
• validation of the presence of basic assurance systems for
health, safety and human security;
• focus on the delivery of person-centered services and
supports;
• assessments of current status of quality of life and
quality of service with a variety of organizational performance metrics;
• commendations and recommendations for improvement to
individual service organizations and the state system;
• ongoing support for provider quality improvement and
statewide quality management; and
• an annual report summarizing findings across the state
system.
The goals* of national accreditation are similar to those of
state quality management systems:
• service and organizational improvement,
• the wellbeing of individuals served, and
• the encouragement of best practice.
*National Accreditation of Community Service Providers to
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Survey of 50 States
Memorandum of Understanding – The Key to the CQL / State Partnership
A Memorandum of Understanding creates a unique partnership
between the state system, CQL and providers that enhances opportunities for improvement and
innovation. To read more click here .