WHAT IS A STANDARD AND HOW IS IT ASSIGNED?

A standard is a practice goal for a field or industry that is widely recognized or employed as a model of excellence. A standard is not a regulation. While a regulation is generally set as a minimum requirement for a field, a standard represents a higher level of practice.

COA standards include administration and management, service delivery administration, and service standards.

Administration and management standards apply to all agencies regardless of the services provided. These management practices promote sound organizational operations and accountability and include governance, quality improvement, financial management, risk prevention and management, ethical practice and human resources management.

Service delivery administration standards cover practices related to the administration of services such as the behavior support and management, client rights, the administrative service environment, and training and supervision.

Service standards set forth recommended practice for distinct service areas, such as case management, foster care, or day treatment services.

The standards represent a set of practices that support, collectively, strong organizational performance, and positive service delivery outcomes.

Your agency will complete the full administration and management and applicable service delivery administration standards. Your COA Coordinator will work with you to determine the appropriate service standards for your existing programs as well as any relevant Supplements.

Programs that do not fall under a COA Service Section will be reviewed using Administration and Management and Service Delivery Administration Standards. This will allow COA to assess the operation of the program as well as its integration into administrative practices at the agency level. These programs will be expected to adhere to Administration and Management and Service Delivery Administration Standards as part of the agency’s COA accreditation but will not be listed in its notification letter.

See Related Files for summary definitions of the Administration and Management and Service Standards. For complete information, please see the introductions and definitions that precede each section of the website.