Which Accreditation Helps Demonstrate Dedication to Reducing Health Disparities?

Employees’ well-being and quality of life matter within the workplace. Unfortunately, workers in industries like construction and manufacturing can be subject to unsafe environments. It is essential to be aware of health disparities and seek out the appropriate accreditation.

Industry Health Disparities

Occupational health disparities can seem inevitable, especially in certain work arrangements. For instance, people may be more prone to slips and falls when working at higher elevations, and those working with heavy machinery must be wary of injuries.

Several other inequities can also result in a lack of healthcare access, such as a lack of safety instructions and zero insurance coverage plans. A work culture where workers are hesitant to report their health concerns due to potential retaliation or job loss is also dangerous. It can foster unhealthy coping mechanisms or worsening health issues due to not seeking support early. 

Why Accreditation Matters

Companies must recognize that health disparities are preventable with the right protocols and environmental adjustments. Accreditation programs are already available to provide guidelines on the ideal safety compliance and risk management strategies to put people’s lives first. 

Accreditation can also provide other benefits besides reducing health disparities. For instance, it boosts confidence among investors, partners and the general community in which a company operates. Improving the safety and well-being of employees can also minimize liability insurance costs and improve operational efficiency. 

Accreditation for Reducing Health Disparities

Different programs can target inequities either directly or indirectly. Here is a guide on which accreditation bodies help demonstrate dedication to reducing health disparities. 

1. URAC

URAC began in 1990 with the vision of creating exceptional health care. It developed and released the first-ever Health Utilization Review Standards, a blueprint for future management protocols. This accreditor utilizes multidisciplinary expert advisory groups to enable implementation. 

There are numerous accreditation services and certification programs, from pharmacy to patient care management and more. The URAC Health Equity Accreditation is a general option covering all industries. It recognizes the historical and contemporary injustices that affect ongoing health disparities. 

URAC accreditation is unique as it is a collaborative effort and a comprehensive learning experience. It focuses on various areas, such as ensuring optimal health care for high-risk racial and ethnic populations and those with disabilities. 

2. NCQA

NCQA has been improving health care quality since 1990. It studies how effective health plans and medical professionals are in delivering the care that organizations need, helping millions of people stay healthy. 

NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation demonstrates dedication to reducing health disparities. It focuses on building an internal culture that prioritizes external health equity. It also assists in organizing and building language services and provider networks that meet a company’s cultural and linguistic needs. 

There is also Health Equity Accreditation Plus, which tackles health inequities by understanding what social risk factors and needs affect a patient’s ability to attain good health. These social resources can help establish more beneficial partnerships between an organization and a community. They also build more meaningful engagements with the health care system.

3. The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission promotes quality improvement in health care to prioritize consumer safety. It is trusted by more than 24,000 public health agencies, organizations, ministries and individuals worldwide to improve patient outcomes.

Its Excellent Health Outcomes for All accreditation is a voluntary and advanced title for organizations committed to identifying and addressing differences between different patient groups. There is a resource center that provides innovative and practical strategies to enhance the health care experience. 

Leaders can combine this accreditation with other health equity-driven accreditation programs like the Sustainable Healthcare Certification. While it aims to hold companies accountable for maintaining environmental responsibility, these standards can also improve workers’ quality of life, a company’s bottom line and patient outcomes in the long run. 

4. The American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to the highest level of optimal and ethical surgical patient care. It has about 90,000 members worldwide, with over 25,000 hospitals participating in its quality programs. 

The Commission on Cancer is one of its accreditation and verification programs geared toward resolving health inequities. The main goal is to enhance the survival rate and quality of life for patients diagnosed with cancer. To do this, the American College of Surgeons promotes cancer prevention, research and education. 

Upon getting accredited, organizations can access the Health Equity Toolkit. It offers resources that explore the impact of financial toxicity on cancer patients. There is also assistance on health equity literacy that discusses the importance of eliminating health disparities. 

5. PHAB

PHAB — or the Public Health Accreditation Board — is the only national accrediting body for public health within the U.S. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it provides assistance and resources to various health departments to improve quality and performance for a better patient experience.

Companies can attain Initial Accreditation by following PHAB Standards & Measures and applying for verification. These guidelines are geared toward public health departments that seek to transform and improve their staff and operations. People can refer to Version 2022 of the PHAB Standards & Measures for accurate compliance information.

Companies can apply for recertification after five years. Meanwhile, health departments that may be unready for accreditation but seek process improvements can consider the Pathways Recognition program. It aims to educate organizations about strengthening infrastructure and monitoring public health systems to avoid health inequity. 

6. LEED

LEED — or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — is a certification program pioneered by the U.S. Green Building Council. While it mainly details standards for creating high-performance and sustainable buildings, it also includes policies for the health and well-being of building occupants.

The LEED v4 and v4.1 rating systems highlight the importance of a site user’s health. Health-adjacent credits regarding indoor air quality, physical activity, mental health and nutrition are also among the LEED categories necessary for accreditation. 

Resources like workshops and frameworks also discuss health equity within this service. Reports on using LEED’s green rating system to promote population health or asthma prevention’s connection to healthy green purchasing provide perspectives on different health disparities. 

7. International WELL Building Institute 

The International WELL Building Institute is a leader and authority in promoting health and well-being within buildings and organizations. It offers a WELL Standard with more than 500 evidence-based policies and operational strategies.

Some of the guidelines involve improving air quality and ensuring drinkable water. However, there are also mental health-related additions, such as mitigating burnout and boosting cognitive well-being.

Regarding health equity, the WELL Standard also covers fostering a health-centered culture and prioritizing inclusion and belonging. It even addresses how hybrid, remote and in-person setups require different strategies to maintain holistic well-being. 

8. Fitwel

Fitwel is a leading certification system that encourages construction companies to optimize buildings to support health and well-being. Initially created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. General Services Administration, Fitwel is now a stand-alone operator. 

To meet certification requirements, scorecards curated for different project types outline the risks of ignoring health and safety. These scorecards are followed by design strategies and policies to rectify a company’s approach and optimize occupants’ well-being. 

The Fitwel Platform also enables data-driven reporting to measure the health of building occupants and the surrounding community. Using this information with the organization’s expert guidance can optimize health experiences. 

9. RESET Air

RESET Air sets a standard for indoor air quality in buildings. It aims to improve long-term occupant health by deploying air quality monitors and continuously overseeing the environment. This involves checking particulate matter, total volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide levels. It also evaluates temperature and humidity. 

Projects that want accreditation to demonstrate dedication to reducing health disparities in air quality can pursue the RESET Air Project Accreditation and Certification. Indoor parameters have to be met and maintained daily.

While newer projects can undergo accreditation, older projects may also apply for certification. Both would have to undergo the same process of project registration and documentation, site and data auditing. 

Choosing an Accreditation

Health accreditation programs differ in numerous areas. While companies can get verified for multiple ones, they can also apply for select ones first. Leaders should pick which program to prioritize based on the type of health equity its guidelines cover. This helps assess how compatible an accreditation is with an organization and its operations. 

Consider the application review and certification process among different accreditation bodies. Small to medium-sized enterprises may have limited resources for sending in requirements to certifying organizations. More thorough processes may also prove more taxing, which warrants being more selective. 

Each program also has its own accreditation expiration date. Some can last five years, while others are only good for two to three years. Check the terms and conditions for the program’s validity and how recertification will occur afterward. 

Find Which Accreditation Helps Demonstrate Dedication to Reducing Health Disparities

Construction and other industries must continue operating, but they must not do so at the expense of their employees. They should seek accreditation to display a commitment to minimizing health disparities and protecting people’s lives.