First Nations and Inuit Health Services Accreditation Policy Framework Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. Q: What is the purpose of the Health Services Accreditation Policy Framework?

   A: The Health Services Accreditation Policy framework articulates Health Canada's commitment to promote continuous quality improvement through accreditation in First Nation and Inuit health services.

2. Q: Who is this Health Services Accreditation Policy Framework intended for?

   A: The Health Services Accreditation Policy Framework is intended for all parties involved in First Nation and Inuit health services, including First Nation and Inuit health organizations, Health Canada employees, and health services accrediting bodies.

3. Q: Will Health Canada directly accredit First Nation and Inuit health service organizations?

   A: Health Canada does not accredit health services but rather provides support for organizations who are involved in the process with an accrediting body.

4. Q: Are there different accrediting bodies? If so, how do we choose an accrediting body for our health organization?

   A: There are several accrediting bodies that accredit First Nation and Inuit health organizations. Organizations have the right to choose the accrediting body that is the "best fit" for their needs as long as the accrediting body in question meets the "criteria for accrediting bodies" as set out in the Health Services Policy Framework.

5. Q: Who developed the Health Services Accreditation Policy Framework?

   A: The Health Services Accreditation Policy Framework was developed by an advisory committee consisting of First Nation community members involved in accreditation and Health Canada representatives involved in accreditation.

6. Q: How will my organization benefit from health service accreditation?

   A: Accreditation enables health organizations to measure their services and operational performance against national standards of excellence, which provides a clear picture of their strengths and areas to be improved. First Nations and Inuit health organizations who are involved in the accreditation process say it fosters a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of the organization.

7. Q: Is Health Service Accreditation mandatory?

   A: Health services accreditation is a voluntary processexcept for transferred National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) treatment centers and youth solvent abuse centres.

8. Q: Will funding be available to support health service organizations who are interested in participating in the accreditation process?

   A: Health Canada provides funding to help support health organizations engaged in the accreditation process. Accreditation funding will continue even if an organization receives a non-accreditation award as long as the organization continues meaningful engagement in the process. Accreditation is about continuous quality improvement.

9. Q: Will Health Canada funding cover all the costs associated with accreditation?

   A: Accreditation funding aims to help support the accreditation process but may not cover all associated costs.

For further information on the Health Services Accreditation process visit our website or contact us by email us at Accreditation.Agrement@hc-sc.gc.ca.