Certified CHAP Consultant

CHAP Accreditation Consulting for Home Care Agencies

The Business of Senior Care is a Certified CHAP Consultant, helping licensed home care agencies across all 50 states achieve Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) accreditation — one of the oldest and most respected accreditation bodies in home care with over 60 years of experience. CHAP has CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health and Hospice, meaning CHAP-accredited agencies satisfy Medicare Conditions of Participation surveys automatically.

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Official Status

Certified CHAP Consultant

Community Health Accreditation Partner

About CHAP

What is CHAP Accreditation?

The Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) is a nonprofit, independent accreditation organization founded in 1965 — making it one of the oldest and most established accreditation bodies in home care. CHAP accreditation demonstrates that your home care or hospice agency meets rigorous national standards for quality, safety, and operational excellence.

CHAP holds CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health and Hospice, which means that CHAP-accredited agencies satisfy Medicare Conditions of Participation automatically — eliminating the need for a separate Medicare survey.

Founded in 1965 — over 60 years of home care accreditation expertise
CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health and Hospice agencies
Valid for 3 years — with ongoing compliance support between survey cycles
Required by many managed care organizations, commercial insurers, and referral networks
Known for a consultative, education-focused survey approach that supports agency improvement
Demonstrates commitment to quality care and operational excellence to patients, families, and payers

Comparison

CHAP vs ACHC — Which is Right for Your Agency?

Both CHAP and ACHC are nationally recognized accreditation bodies with CMS Deeming Authority. The right choice depends on your agency type, state, payer requirements, and operational goals. Here is how they compare:

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CHAP

Founded 1965 (60+ years of home care expertise)
CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health and Hospice
Known for consultative survey approach and strong education programs
Best for agencies that value long-established standards and a collaborative survey experience
Website: chapinc.org

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ACHC

Founded 1986
CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health, Hospice, and DMEPOS
Known for customer-focused approach and strong support resources
Best for agencies seeking DMEPOS accreditation or a highly supportive survey process
Website: achc.org

Not sure which is right for you? Book a free strategy call and we will help you decide based on your agency type, state, and payer requirements.

The Process

The CHAP Accreditation Process

The CHAP accreditation process typically takes 3 to 6 months from application to final accreditation decision. With The Business of Senior Care as your consulting partner, you will be prepared at every stage and positioned to move through the process with confidence.

Readiness Assessment

We evaluate your agency against CHAP standards to identify gaps in your policies, procedures, and operations before you apply.

Gap Remediation

We update or create the policies and procedures required by CHAP standards — ensuring every document meets CHAP's exact requirements.

Staff Education

We train your staff on CHAP standards and survey preparation so your entire team is confident and survey-ready.

Mock Survey

We conduct a comprehensive mock survey simulating the actual CHAP survey experience to identify any remaining gaps.

Application and Survey Scheduling

We guide you through the CHAP application process and help you prepare for your survey date.

Accreditation Award

With proper preparation your agency receives CHAP accreditation — valid for 3 years with ongoing support from The Business of Senior Care.

Self-Assessment

Is Your Agency Ready for CHAP Accreditation?

Use this checklist to assess where your agency stands before beginning the CHAP accreditation process. The Business of Senior Care can help you address any gaps.

✔ An active state home care license
✔ At least 1 patient/client on service
✔ A complete policies and procedures manual
✔ A designated administrator of record
✔ A QAPI program in place
✔ Documented staff training and competency evaluations
✔ An emergency preparedness plan

Not sure how you stack up? Book a free accreditation readiness call and we'll walk through your agency's current status and create a clear action plan.

From CHAP Leadership

Hear From the CEO of CHAP

Lucas Carroll sat down with Teresa Harbour, President and CEO of CHAP, to discuss what home care agencies need to know about CHAP accreditation, compliance, and building a culture of quality in home-based care.

Featured Interview

Guest: Teresa Harbour, President & CEO, Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP)
Host: Lucas Carroll, Founder & CEO, The Business of Senior Care

Teresa Harbour is the President and CEO of CHAP, one of the oldest and most respected accreditation bodies in home care with over 60 years of experience and CMS Deeming Authority for Home Health and Hospice.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About CHAP Accreditation

How long does CHAP accreditation take?

The CHAP accreditation process typically takes 3 to 6 months from application to final accreditation decision. Agencies that work with The Business of Senior Care are typically better prepared and move through the process faster than the industry average.

How much does CHAP accreditation cost?

CHAP accreditation fees vary by agency type and size but typically range from USD 1,800 to USD 4,500 for the initial 3-year accreditation period. Contact us for a personalized cost estimate based on your specific agency.

Is CHAP accreditation required for Medicare?

CHAP accreditation is not required for Medicare participation but it provides CMS Deeming Authority which means your agency does not need a separate Medicare survey. Many managed care organizations and insurers require accreditation as a condition of their contracts.

How does CHAP compare to Joint Commission accreditation?

Both CHAP and The Joint Commission offer home care accreditation with CMS Deeming Authority. CHAP is specifically focused on home care and hospice and has 60+ years of home care expertise. The Joint Commission is more widely recognized in hospital and acute care settings. CHAP is generally considered the home care specialist.

Can The Business of Senior Care help with CHAP renewal?

Yes. CHAP accreditation is valid for 3 years. We help agencies prepare for renewal surveys and maintain continuous compliance between accreditation cycles through our Compliance Defender Program.

Ready to Get Accredited?

Ready to Achieve CHAP Accreditation?

The Business of Senior Care helps home care agencies across all 50 states achieve CHAP accreditation — from readiness assessment through survey day and ongoing compliance. Let's build something that lasts.

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