Frequently Asked Questions

What is accreditation?

CQL defines Accreditation, on their website, as, “A common understanding of the term accreditation involves the formal recognition of an organization for attaining a specified set of standards, often viewed as merely ‘passing a test.’ CQL’s Accreditation approach is more about being on a journey toward ongoing organizational transformation. Rather than receiving a ‘passing score,’ it is about choosing the right path and making measurable progress. At CQL, we often say we meet organizations where they are and help them move to a better place.”

Who is CQL?

CQL is the Council on Quality and Leadership, an organization that supports and provides accreditation to international programs who provide services and supports for human services organizations, systems and networks. Since 1969, CQL has been a leader in the human services field on identifying and measuring quality of life for all people. CQL utilizes tools such as the Basic Assurances ® (BA) which provide a mechanism to review organizations on their systems and practices. CQL also utilizes the Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) interview tool to have one on one conversations with people, children and their families regarding their life, choices, health and safety, goals, etc. The POM tool also guides conversations to understand what support is needed for the person, child and/ or family. The information from the BA and POM tool is then put into a database, so tracking, trending and progress can be measured.

Why was it important for DDA/ TEIS to get accredited and maintain that accreditation?

DDA began their pursuit of accreditation with CQL in 2012 because providing person- centered services and supports became the focus of the department. DDA wanted to be a leader in best practices of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in Tennessee. CQL’s tools and methodology for granting accreditation partnered well with DDA’s vision to “Support all Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they envision for themselves.” DDA became the first state system to be accredited in 2015, re- accredited two more times in 2019 and 2023. In the most recent accreditation cycle in 2023, TEIS was included in that accreditation.

Who plays a role in accreditation?

Because this is network accreditation, all stakeholders within DDA and TEIS play a role in the accreditation process. This includes the person receiving services and supports, family members, friends, case managers. Independent support coordinators, organizational staff, organizational leadership, clinicians, advocates, etc. Accreditation with CQL is very focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and can express themselves in the accreditation process.

How will the accreditation process affect people receiving services and supports?

Through the accreditation process, people will be involved as stakeholders to provide feedback on the organizations during Basic Assurances reviews. People supported will also be randomly chosen as part of the sample for the Accreditation team to complete Personal Outcome Measures interviews with them, identifying what outcomes are important for their children and what support they need to accomplish those outcomes. After the accreditation process is completed, people supported will still have an ongoing, voluntary role as participants in learning opportunities, continually providing feedback through Focus Groups, and other activities related to accreditation.

How will the accreditation process affect families and their children?

Through the accreditation process, families will be involved as stakeholders to provide feedback on the organization through Basic Assurances reviews. Families will also be asked to participate in Personal Outcome Measures interviews, identifying what outcomes are important for their children and what support they need to accomplish those outcomes. After the accreditation process is completed, families will still have an ongoing voluntary role as participants in learning opportunities, continually providing feedback through Focus Groups, and other activities related to accreditation.

How will the accreditation process impact organizations and EIRA’s?

Staff will be involved in many ways throughout the accreditation cycle. During the Basic Assurances® review piece of the Accreditation process, staff are provided the opportunity to discuss, anonymously, the organization’s policies and procedures, responsiveness of leadership, training they receive and recruitment and retention practices. Through the Personal Outcome Measures® interviews completed with people receiving services from the organization, staff will have the opportunity to provide valuable information about the person and, most likely, will learn new information about the person and what the person wants in their life. Overall, staff will begin to see opportunities to improve the delivery of services and support to people and ensure the services and supports are person- centered.

Do organizations have to become accredited with CQL to be a provider organization?

Accreditation for organizations is not required, as this is a network accreditation for DDA/ TEIS. However, any organization has the ability to seek accreditation with CQL. Please use this link for requesting more information regarding CQL accreditation. CQL Accreditation Inquiry | The Council on Quality and Leadership (c-q-l.org)

How long does the accreditation process take?

The amount of time and effort which goes into the accreditation process depends on the type of Accreditation chosen with CQL. The four tiers of Accreditation are Systems Accreditation, Quality Assurance Accreditation, Person- Centered Excellence Accreditation, Person- Centered Excellence Accreditation with Distinction and Network Accreditation. More information about those tiers can be found at CQL Accreditation | The Council on Quality and Leadership (c-q-l.org) . The organization will be able to work with CQL to determine the best option for them, their preferred timelines based on the tier chosen and CQL’s availability to complete the process.

Once DDA/ TEIS receive accreditation, is the process over?

Accreditation is an ongoing process of quality enhancement through the organization’s internal action plan and through onsite visits and communications with CQL. Support by CQL is maintained throughout the entire accreditation term, terms dependent on accreditation tier chosen, as discussed above. Webinars, E-Community, newsletters, and Social Media are some of the other ways CQL provides ongoing support to accredited organizations.

What will staff members need to do differently during this process?

Staff members do not need to do anything differently, other than being open and honest when participating in discussions of systems and practices of the organization or program, having an open mind to new ideas, and being invested in the process.