The Joint Commission Accreditation costs around $7,500 to get for each individual agency who wishes to get that certification. The fees are typically split over a three year period of time (approximately $2,500 per year). The process is involved but not difficult to get the accreditation. Like getting a state home care agency license in some states – there are hoops to jump through but it is a process and one just has to go through that process to get the accreditation at the end. If one of our member agencies would like to get this accreditation they are welcome to do that and we assist them with that process.

However, there is no requirement in the non medical home care industry to have this accreditation as it is directed specifically towards healthcare entities that offer Skilled Care Services (Nursing care, etc.). As per the President of the National Association of Home Care & Hospice recent remarks at the 2012 National Conference in Orlando, FL, “…the exponential growth of the home care industry over the next 30 yrs is NOT going to be in the skilled care services – it WILL be in the non skilled home care services.”

Therefore, unless one has inexhaustible budgets and time we do not recommend spending your time and money on getting a Joint Commission Accreditation as your agency will not need it – if you are going to follow the path of exponential growth in the non medical side of the home care industry. People who provide referrals will not expect you to have the accreditation when you are providing assistance with non medical private duty activities of daily living – and not inclined to choose agencies who do have the accreditation above others who do not – as it is an accreditation directed towards skilled care with home health, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, etc. However, as previously stated, if our members want to spend the money and get this accreditation they can do so and we will assist them in the process.