Accreditation, in a general sense, is a formal recognition that an organization, program, or individual meets specific, predefined standards of quality, competence, and integrity. It’s typically granted by a third-party, independent body.

In the context of healthcare, accreditation is particularly crucial and plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and quality of care.

Here’s a breakdown of what accreditation is, its importance, and who benefits:

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process where an independent external body evaluates a healthcare organization’s (like a hospital, clinic, or diagnostic lab) compliance with a set of established standards. These standards cover various aspects of care, including:

• Patient safety: Protocols for preventing infections, medication errors, and adverse events.
• Quality of care: clinical outcomes, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Staffing and credentials: Ensuring healthcare professionals are qualified and competent.
• Infrastructure and environment: Safety and suitability of facilities and equipment.
• Information management: Privacy and security of patient data.
• Governance and leadership: Effective management and ethical practices.
• Patient rights and education: Ensuring patients are informed and involved in their care.

Unlike licensure (which is typically a minimum legal requirement to operate), accreditation often focuses on driving continuous improvement and achieving optimal quality standards rather than just meeting bare minimums.

Why is Accreditation Important?

1. Ensuring quality and safety: This is the primary driver. Accreditation bodies set high benchmarks that organizations must meet, directly leading to better patient outcomes and a safer environment.
2. Building Trust and Confidence: For patients, the public, and even other healthcare providers, accreditation serves as a credible stamp of approval. It assures them that the organization is committed to providing high-quality, safe, and ethical care.
3. Risk Management: The process of accreditation helps organizations identify and mitigate risks, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced potential for errors or adverse events.
4. Continuous Improvement: Accreditation is not a one-time event. It involves periodic assessments and encourages organizations to constantly review their processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes.
5. Competitive Advantage: Accredited organizations often stand out in the marketplace, attracting more patients and potentially securing more funding or partnerships.
6. Regulatory Compliance: While often voluntary, some accreditations can become quasi-mandatory or are recognized by governments and insurers as a mark of quality.
7. Professional Development and Staff Morale: The process can foster a culture of excellence, provide staff with clear guidelines, and ensure ongoing education and competency, leading to increased staff satisfaction and engagement.
8. International Recognition: Many accreditation standards are internationally recognized, which can be crucial for medical tourism or international collaborations.

Who Benefits from Accreditation?

• Patients: The biggest beneficiaries. They receive safer, higher-quality, and more consistent care, with improved communication and respect for their rights.
• Healthcare Organizations: They benefit from improved internal processes, enhanced reputation, increased patient satisfaction, better risk management, and a framework for continuous quality improvement.
• Healthcare Professionals: They work in safer, more organized environments, with clear protocols, access to ongoing training, and a sense of professional pride.
• Insurers and Payers: They gain assurance that the services they are paying for meet certain quality standards, potentially leading to better health outcomes and reduced long-term costs.
• Governments and Regulators: They can rely on accredited organizations to uphold high standards, complementing their regulatory oversight and contributing to public health.

Accreditation Bodies in India (Examples in Healthcare):

In India, the most prominent accreditation body for healthcare organizations is

• National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH): This is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI) and is specifically focused on accrediting hospitals, blood banks, primary healthcare centers, dental clinics, and other healthcare facilities. NABH standards are internationally recognized by ISQua (International Society for Quality in Healthcare).

Other accreditation bodies exist for specific educational programs or professions (e.g., the National Medical Commission (NMC) for medical education and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) for technical programs), but for overall healthcare facility quality, NABH is key.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a formal, independent process of evaluating an organization, program, or individual to determine if they meet a set of established quality standards and are competent to perform specific tasks or deliver certain services. It’s a recognition granted by a third-party, independent body.

Think of it as a stamp of approval from an impartial expert. This “stamp” signifies that the entity has undergone a rigorous assessment and has demonstrated compliance with benchmarks designed to ensure quality, safety, ethical practice, and competence.

Key characteristics of accreditation:

• Independent Evaluation: It’s conducted by an external, unbiased organization, not by the entity itself.
• Standards-Based: The evaluation is against a defined set of publicly available and recognized standards. These standards are often developed by experts in the relevant field.
• Formal Recognition: If the entity meets the standards, it receives a formal accreditation status, often accompanied by a certificate or seal.
• Voluntary (often): Unlike licensure (which is a legal requirement to operate), accreditation is often a voluntary process that organizations undertake to demonstrate their commitment to excellence beyond minimum legal requirements. However, in some sectors or for certain benefits (like insurance reimbursement), it can become a de facto necessity.
• Focus on Quality and Improvement: While it verifies compliance, accreditation is also very much about fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. It’s not a one-time check but an ongoing process with periodic re-evaluations.

Where is accreditation found?

Accreditation is applied across a wide range of fields, including:

• Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, nursing homes, blood banks, and even specific medical programs. (e.g., NABH in India, Joint Commission in the U.S.).
• Education: Universities, colleges, and specific academic programs (e.g., NAAC and NBA in India for higher education).
• Laboratories: Testing and calibration laboratories (e.g., NABL in India, ISO/IEC 17025 standard).
• Professional Certification: Certifying individuals in specific professions (e.g., project management, IT security).
• Certification Bodies: Organizations that certify products, systems (like ISO 9001 quality management), or persons. Accreditation bodies “accredit” these certification bodies to ensure their competence and impartiality.
• Conformity Assessment: Any body that assesses whether a product, process, or service conforms to specific requirements.

Why is it important?

Accreditation provides:

• Assurance of Quality: For consumers, clients, or patients, it’s a reliable indicator that the accredited entity meets high standards.
• Trust and Credibility: It builds public confidence and enhances the reputation of the accredited organization.
• Risk Mitigation: It helps organizations identify and address weaknesses, reducing the likelihood of errors or adverse outcomes.
• Competitive Advantage: Accredited organizations often have a competitive edge in the market.
• Facilitates Recognition: It can enable international recognition of qualifications or services.

In essence, accreditation serves as a vital mechanism for quality assurance, accountability, and continuous improvement across various industries.

Who is required to have accreditation?

Courtesy: SimplyInfo

While accreditation is often a voluntary process, it is increasingly becoming a de facto requirement or a significant advantage for various organizations and programs. The specific entities for whom accreditation is required depend heavily on the industry, regulatory landscape, and the benefits they seek to achieve.

Here’s a breakdown of who often requires or strongly benefits from accreditation:

1. Healthcare Organizations:

This is one of the most prominent sectors where accreditation is crucial.

• Hospitals: Both large multi-specialty hospitals and smaller district hospitals. In India, NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) accreditation is widely sought after. Some hospitals, especially those catering to international patients (medical tourists), also pursue JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation.
• Diagnostic Laboratories: Pathology labs, radiology centers (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound). In India, NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) is key for assuring the quality and competence of these labs.
• Blood Banks: To ensure the safety and quality of blood collection, processing, and storage.
• Clinics: Including primary healthcare centers, dental clinics, physiotherapy centers, and specialty clinics.
• Ambulatory Care Centers: Facilities offering outpatient surgeries and procedures.
• Home Healthcare Services: As healthcare extends beyond traditional settings.
• AYUSH Hospitals (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy): NABH also has specific standards for these traditional medicine systems.
• Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) and Ethics Committees: To ensure ethical conduct and data integrity in clinical trials.

Why is it required for healthcare?

• Patient Safety & Quality: Fundamentally, it assures patients of a minimum standard of safe and quality care.
• Insurance Empanelment: Many insurance companies (including government schemes like CGHS and ESI in India) prefer or require accredited healthcare providers for cashless services, as it assures them of service quality.
• Medical Tourism: For hospitals attracting international patients, accreditation (especially JCI) is a strong selling point, signifying adherence to global standards.
• Regulatory Alignment: While not always legally mandated to operate, accreditation often demonstrates compliance with many regulatory requirements and can be seen as a mark of a well-governed institution.
• Competitive Edge: It enhances the reputation and public trust, giving accredited facilities a significant advantage.

2. Educational Institutions and Programs:

• Universities and Colleges: To demonstrate overall institutional quality, academic rigor, and financial stability. In India, NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accredits higher education institutions.
• Specific Academic Programs:
  • Engineering & Technology: (e.g., NBA – National Board of Accreditation in India) to ensure curriculum quality, faculty competence, and student outcomes in fields like engineering, management, and pharmacy.
  • Medical Programs: (e.g., National Medical Commission – NMC in India, formerly MCI) to ensure the quality of medical education, training, and physician competence.
  • Nursing Programs:
  • Teacher Education Programs:
  • Business Schools: (e.g., AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS for international recognition).

Why is it required for education?

• Quality Assurance: Ensures that graduates meet a recognized standard of knowledge and skills.
• Student Eligibility: Often, students need to graduate from an accredited program to qualify for professional licensure or further education.
• Financial Aid: In many countries, students can only access federal financial aid if they attend an accredited institution.
• Transferability of Credits: Credits earned at accredited institutions are more likely to be accepted by other accredited institutions.
• Employer Recognition: Employers often prefer graduates from accredited programs, as it signifies a quality education.

3. Testing, Calibration, and Inspection Laboratories:

• Testing Labs: For various industries (e.g., food safety, environmental testing, product testing, construction materials testing).
• Calibration Labs: Labs that calibrate instruments and equipment to ensure accuracy.
• Inspection Bodies: Organizations that perform inspections (e.g., industrial equipment, safety inspections).

Why is it required for labs?

• Reliability and Competence: Accreditation (often to ISO/IEC 17025 for testing/calibration or ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection) demonstrates technical competence, impartiality, and consistent operation. In India, NABL provides this accreditation.
• Trade Facilitation: Test results from accredited labs are often accepted internationally, reducing the need for re-testing in other countries.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many regulations require products or services to be tested or inspected by accredited bodies.

4. Certification Bodies:

• These are organizations that certify management systems (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management), products, or personnel.
• Accreditation Bodies (like NABCB – National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies in India) accredit these certification bodies to ensure their competence, impartiality, and adherence to international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17021 for management systems certification).

Why is it required for certification bodies?

• Credibility of Certification: It ensures that the certificates issued by these bodies are reliable and trustworthy.
• Market Confidence: Businesses and consumers can trust that products or services certified by an accredited certification body truly meet the stated standards.

5. Other Sectors:

Accreditation models are also applied in various other fields where quality assurance and competence are critical, such as:

• Social Services: Child welfare agencies, addiction treatment centers.
• Forensic Sciences: Forensic laboratories.
• Government Agencies: Certain departments or programs may seek accreditation to demonstrate efficiency and adherence to best practices.

In essence, while not always legally compulsory, accreditation is “required” by market demands, consumer expectations, insurance policies, and the desire for enhanced credibility, improved quality, and reduced risk across many professional and service-oriented sectors.

When is required to have accreditation?

The requirement to have accreditation is not always a universal “must-have” for every entity, but it becomes essential or highly beneficial in specific situations where quality, competence, safety, and trustworthiness are paramount.

Here’s when accreditation is required, particularly in the Indian context:

1. When Mandated by Regulators or Government Bodies:

In certain sectors, accreditation is no longer voluntary but a legal or regulatory requirement to operate.

• Higher Education: In India, for universities and colleges, NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation has been mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for higher educational institutions that have completed six years of existence or two batches having passed out, whichever is earlier. The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) is also crucial for technical programs (engineering, management, pharmacy etc.). The National Medical Commission (NMC) ensures accreditation/recognition of medical colleges and programs. These bodies aim to ensure quality and relevance of education.
• Clinical Establishments (in some states/UTs): While NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) accreditation for hospitals is generally voluntary, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and its rules (applicable in certain states and all Union Territories except Delhi) require clinical establishments to meet minimum standards of facilities, services, and personnel. While not explicitly NABH accreditation, these minimum standards often align with basic quality benchmarks and can evolve to a requirement for a recognized accreditation.
• Food Business Operators: For businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products, FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certification/registration is mandatory to ensure food safety and compliance with standards. While “certification” rather than “accreditation” in the strict sense, it serves a similar purpose of proving adherence to standards.
• Product Safety: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is crucial and often mandatory for various products, especially in sectors like electronics, building materials, and consumer goods, to ensure safety and reliability.
• Laboratories (NABL): For testing and calibration laboratories across various industries, NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation is essential if their test results need to be legally defensible, accepted internationally, or required by regulatory bodies for product approval or quality control. For instance, pharmaceutical companies often require their raw materials and products to be tested by NABL-accredited labs. Medical testing labs also increasingly seek NABL accreditation to assure reliability of diagnostic results.

2. When Required by Insurers or Funding Bodies:

• Cashless Insurance Claims in Healthcare: Many public and private insurance companies in India, including government health schemes like CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) and ESI (Employees’ State Insurance), mandate or strongly prefer hospitals and diagnostic labs to be NABH/NABL accredited for cashless treatment and reimbursement purposes. This is a primary driver for hospitals to seek NABH accreditation.
• Government Grants or Projects: Certain government grants, schemes, or public projects may specify that participating organizations (e.g., NGOs, research institutions, educational bodies) must hold specific accreditations to qualify for funding.

3. When Seeking International Recognition and Market Access:

• Medical Tourism: Hospitals in India that aim to attract international patients for medical tourism require accreditation like JCI (Joint Commission International), in addition to NABH. This provides global assurance of quality and safety, critical for patients traveling from abroad.
• International Trade: For products or services to be accepted in international markets, the testing, inspection, or certification bodies involved often require international accreditation (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 for labs) to ensure that their results are recognized globally, avoiding the need for re-testing.
• Higher Education (Global Mobility): Educational institutions aiming for global collaborations, student exchange programs, or recognition of their degrees abroad often seek international accreditations to facilitate mobility and acceptance.

4. When Building Trust, Credibility, and Competitive Advantage:

While not always legally mandated, accreditation becomes a strategic necessity for:

• Enhanced Reputation: In competitive markets, an accredited status significantly boosts an organization’s credibility and public trust, differentiating it from non-accredited peers. Patients, clients, and partners often prefer accredited entities.
• Client Confidence: Businesses often prefer to work with accredited suppliers, labs, or service providers because it assures them of consistent quality and competence.
• Continuous Improvement: The accreditation process itself forces organizations to review and optimize their internal processes, leading to better operational efficiency and a culture of ongoing quality improvement.
• Attracting Talent: High-quality professionals often prefer to work in accredited organizations that demonstrate a commitment to excellence, professional development, and ethical practices.

In summary, the “when” of accreditation is multifaceted:

• Legally Mandated: For specific sectors like certain educational institutions, clinical establishments in specific regions, and food/product safety in India.
• Financially Required: For insurance empanelment and certain government schemes in healthcare.
• Strategically Essential: For organizations aiming for competitive advantage, global recognition, enhanced public trust, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Therefore, while the word “required” might imply a legal obligation, in many cases, it translates to a practical and indispensable necessity for long-term success and sustainability.

Where is required accreditation?

The concept of “required” accreditation is nuanced. While often voluntary, it becomes a practical necessity or a legal mandate in specific sectors, particularly in India.

Here’s where accreditation is required (either by law, regulation, market demand, or critical functional necessity) in India:

1. In Healthcare (NABH, NABL):

• Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH):
  • Legal Mandate (Conditional): While NABH accreditation for hospitals is generally voluntary, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and its associated rules, which are applicable in certain states and all Union Territories (except Delhi), require clinical establishments to meet minimum standards. These minimum standards often align with basic quality benchmarks and can evolve to effectively necessitate a recognized accreditation like NABH for compliance.
  • Insurance Empanelment: This is a major driver for NABH accreditation. Most public and private insurance companies, including government health schemes like CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) and ESI (Employees’ State Insurance), mandate NABH accreditation for hospitals to be empaneled for cashless treatment and reimbursement for their beneficiaries. If a hospital wants to serve a large insured population, NABH accreditation becomes essential.
  • Medical Tourism: Hospitals aiming to attract international patients require internationally recognized accreditations like JCI (Joint Commission International), often alongside NABH, to assure foreign patients of global standards of quality and safety.
  • Reputation and Trust: In a competitive market, patients increasingly seek out NABH-accredited hospitals, viewing it as a mark of quality and safety. This acts as a market-driven “requirement.”
• Diagnostic Laboratories (NABL):
  • Regulatory Compliance: For labs conducting tests for specific regulatory purposes (e.g., food testing for FSSAI, pharmaceutical testing for drug control), NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation is often implicitly or explicitly required to ensure the reliability and legal defensibility of their results.
  • Clinical Diagnostics (Insurance/Trust): Similar to hospitals, many insurance providers and corporate clients prefer or require NABL-accredited diagnostic labs for their services to ensure the accuracy and reliability of medical test results. For patients, an NABL accreditation signifies a trustworthy lab.
  • International Acceptance: For labs whose test reports need to be accepted internationally, NABL accreditation (which is based on international standards like ISO/IEC 17025 for testing/calibration and ISO 15189 for medical labs) is crucial.

2. In Education (NAAC, NBA, NMC):

• Higher Educational Institutions (NAAC):
  • UGC Mandate: The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has made NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation mandatory for higher educational institutions that have completed six years of existence or two batches having passed out, whichever is earlier. This is to ensure and improve the quality of higher education. Institutions without NAAC accreditation may face restrictions on grants, affiliations, or even student admissions in the future.
• Technical Programs (NBA):
  • Regulatory Expectation/Professional Recognition: While not always a direct legal mandate for operation, NBA (National Board of Accreditation) accreditation for engineering, management, pharmacy, and other technical programs is highly required for professional recognition, eligibility for government jobs, certain scholarships, and for students seeking further education or employment abroad. AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) also plays a role in regulating technical education.
• Medical Education (NMC):
  • Regulatory Mandate: The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex body that regulates medical education and medical professionals in India. Medical colleges and their programs must be recognized/accredited by the NMC to legally offer medical degrees and for their graduates to practice medicine.

3. For Product Certification and Safety (BIS):

• Mandatory Product Certifications: For a wide range of products, particularly those impacting public health and safety (e.g., certain electronics, cement, food products, water bottles), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is mandatory for manufacturing, importing, or selling in India. This involves products meeting specific Indian Standards (IS), and manufacturers often need to have their systems accredited or conform to quality management standards to obtain and maintain BIS certification.

4. For Quality Management Systems (ISO Certifications):

• ISO Certification itself is generally not mandatory in India, but specific industries or customers may require it.
  • Medical Devices (ISO 13485): The Medical Device Rules in India mandate compliance with ISO 13485 standards for quality management systems for manufacturers of medical devices.
  • Food Safety (ISO 22000): While FSSAI licenses are mandatory, implementing a food safety management system based on ISO 22000 standards is often a strong expectation or requirement by major buyers/retailers in the food and beverage industry.
  • Supply Chain Requirements: Large organizations (e.g., in automotive, aerospace, or even government tenders) may require their suppliers to have ISO 9001 certification (Quality Management System) to ensure consistent quality in the supply chain.

In essence, accreditation is “required” in India not just by explicit law, but by a powerful combination of:

• Government Regulations: Especially in healthcare and education.
• Insurance Company Policies: Crucial for financial viability in healthcare.
• Market Demands: To gain patient/customer trust and competitive advantage.
• International Recognition: For global trade and medical/educational mobility.
• Industry Best Practices: To ensure safety, quality, and ethical conduct.

How is required accreditation?

By Legal & Regulatory Mandate:

This is the most direct way accreditation becomes “required.” Governments and regulatory bodies enact laws or regulations that specify accreditation as a prerequisite for operation, licensure, or eligibility for certain activities.

• How it manifests:
  • Direct Law: A specific act or rule states that an entity must be accredited by a recognized body to operate (e.g., “All higher education institutions must obtain NAAC accreditation by [date]”).
  • Licensure Condition: To obtain or renew a license to practice (for individuals or institutions), accreditation may be a necessary step. For instance, medical colleges need NMC recognition (a form of accreditation) to offer MBBS degrees.
  • Eligibility for Programs/Funding: Government-funded programs, schemes (like CGHS in India), or tenders may explicitly state that only accredited entities are eligible to participate or receive funds.
• Example (India):
  • NAAC for Higher Education: The UGC in India has mandated NAAC accreditation for higher education institutions that have completed a certain number of years, making it a regulatory requirement for continued operation and legitimacy.
  • NMC for Medical Colleges: The National Medical Commission accredits/recognizes medical colleges, and without this, they cannot legally admit students or award medical degrees.
  • BIS for Products: For certain product categories, BIS certification (which often requires manufacturers to have accredited quality management systems) is mandatory for sale in India.

2. By Economic & Market Demand:

Even if not legally mandated, market forces and the need for financial viability can make accreditation a de facto requirement.

• How it manifests:
  • Insurance Empanelment: In healthcare, major insurers (both public and private, like CGHS, ESI, and private health insurance companies in India) require hospitals and diagnostic labs to be accredited (e.g., NABH, NABL) to be included in their cashless networks. Without this, a significant portion of patients (the insured population) cannot utilize their services, making it economically unviable for many providers.
  • Client/Customer Preference: Businesses, individuals, or government agencies may prefer or mandate that their suppliers or service providers are accredited to ensure quality, reliability, and reduced risk. For instance, a pharmaceutical company might only use NABL-accredited labs for drug testing.
  • Competitive Advantage: In competitive markets, accreditation serves as a differentiator. Organizations that are accredited often attract more customers and partners because it signals a higher standard of quality and trustworthiness compared to non-accredited competitors.
• Example (India):
  • A significant portion of NABH and NABL accreditations are driven by the requirement for cashless insurance claims, making it indispensable for many hospitals and labs.

3. By International Recognition & Facilitation of Trade/Mobility:

For entities operating or seeking recognition beyond national borders, accreditation becomes crucial.

• How it manifests:
  • Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs): Accreditation bodies worldwide often have MRAs based on international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 for labs). If a lab is NABL-accredited (which follows ISO/IEC 17025), its test results are more likely to be accepted in other countries without re-testing. This facilitates international trade.
  • Medical Tourism: For hospitals targeting international patients, accreditation by globally recognized bodies like JCI (Joint Commission International) is almost a necessity to assure foreign patients of international quality and safety standards.
  • Academic Mobility: For students seeking to pursue higher education abroad, or for institutions engaging in international research collaborations, degrees or programs from internationally accredited institutions are often required or highly preferred.
• Example (India):
  • JCI accreditation is pursued by many Indian hospitals precisely to meet the “requirement” of international patients and facilitate medical tourism.
  • NABL accreditation enables Indian testing labs to have their results accepted by countries that are signatories to ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) MRAs.

4. By Internal Quality Management & Risk Mitigation:

While not an external “requirement” in the direct sense, the benefits derived from the accreditation process itself become highly valued.

• How it manifests:
  • Structured Improvement: The accreditation process provides a robust framework for an organization to systematically review its processes, identify weaknesses, implement corrective actions, and foster a culture of continuous quality improvement. Many organizations undertake it because they recognize its intrinsic value in enhancing operational excellence and managing risks.
  • Enhanced Internal Controls: Preparing for accreditation requires organizations to tighten their internal controls, standardize procedures, and ensure adherence to best practices, which inherently reduces operational risks.
  • Professional Development: The rigorous standards often require ongoing training and competency assessments for staff, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.

In essence, accreditation is required through a combination of legal, economic, and strategic pressures. It’s about demonstrating verified quality and competence, which is increasingly non-negotiable in many industries where trust, safety, and reliability are paramount.

Case study on accreditation?

Courtesy: Quality Council of India

Case Study: Impact of NABH Accreditation on Indian Hospitals

The Context: Healthcare Landscape in India

India’s healthcare sector is vast and diverse, ranging from large, multi-specialty corporate hospitals in urban centers to small clinics and public health centers in rural areas. While healthcare quality has improved significantly, disparities in standards exist. Patient safety and quality of care have historically been concerns, leading to initiatives aimed at standardizing and improving healthcare delivery.

The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), was established with the objective of enhancing the health system and promoting continuous quality improvement and patient safety.

The Challenge: Ensuring Quality and Gaining Trust

Before widespread NABH adoption, many hospitals, especially smaller or newly established ones, faced challenges in:

• Standardized Quality: Lack of uniform quality standards across the board, leading to varying levels of care.
• Patient Safety: Inconsistent implementation of safety protocols (e.g., infection control, medication management).
• Public Trust: Patients often lacked a reliable way to differentiate between hospitals based on quality.
• Insurance Empanelment: Insurance companies, both public and private, struggled to assess the quality of hospitals for cashless services, leading to arbitrary decisions or reliance on limited criteria.

The Solution: Embracing NABH Accreditation

Many Indian hospitals, both large and small, opted to pursue NABH accreditation. The process is rigorous and involves:

1. Self-Assessment: Hospitals conduct a thorough internal review against NABH’s comprehensive standards (covering patient care, facility management, human resources, information management, safety, infection control, etc.).
2. Implementation of Standards: Significant changes are often required in existing processes, documentation, training, and infrastructure to align with NABH guidelines. This might involve:
   • Developing robust infection control policies.
   • Standardizing patient identification procedures.
   • Implementing a robust medication management system.
   • Establishing clear patient rights and education protocols.
   • Improving facility safety (e.g., fire safety, waste management).
   • Training staff on quality and patient safety protocols.
3. Pre-Assessment (Optional): Some hospitals opt for a preliminary assessment by NABH to identify gaps before the final assessment.
4. Final Assessment: A team of NABH assessors conducts an on-site visit to verify compliance with all applicable standards. This involves reviewing documents, interviewing staff and patients, and observing processes.
5. Accreditation Decision: Based on the assessment report, NABH decides whether to grant accreditation.
6. Continuous Monitoring: Accreditation is not a one-time event. Hospitals must undergo periodic surveillance visits and re-accreditation every few years to maintain their status, ensuring continuous adherence to standards.

The Impact (Benefits Realized):

The case studies of numerous Indian hospitals achieving NABH accreditation highlight several significant impacts:

1. Enhanced Patient Safety and Quality of Care:
   • Reduced Adverse Events: Implementation of strict protocols (e.g., surgical safety checklists, medication reconciliation) has led to a measurable reduction in medical errors and healthcare-associated infections.
   • Standardized Care: Patients receive more consistent and evidence-based care, regardless of the individual clinician, due to standardized operating procedures (SOPs).
   • Improved Patient Outcomes: Better processes contribute to improved clinical outcomes and faster recovery times.
   • Patient-Centric Approach: Increased focus on patient rights, consent, communication, and addressing patient grievances.
2. Improved Operational Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness:
   • Streamlined Processes: The need to document and standardize processes often leads to more efficient workflows, reducing waste and duplication.
   • Better Resource Utilization: Improved inventory management, equipment maintenance, and human resource planning.
   • Reduced Legal Risks: Adherence to standards reduces the likelihood of medical negligence claims.
   • Enhanced Data Management: Better documentation and data collection aid in performance measurement and continuous improvement.
3. Financial Viability and Competitive Advantage:
   • Mandatory for Insurance Empanelment: As mentioned, for many hospitals, NABH accreditation has become a direct financial requirement to be empaneled with major insurance companies and government health schemes. This ensures a steady flow of insured patients and facilitates cashless transactions, which is crucial for revenue.
   • Increased Patient Footfall: The “NABH Accredited” logo instills confidence in patients, leading to increased patient preference and higher patient volumes.
   • Attracting Talent: Hospitals with a strong quality culture (as evidenced by accreditation) tend to attract and retain better medical and administrative staff.
4. Boosted Staff Morale and Accountability:
   • Clearer Roles and Responsibilities: Standardization clarifies roles, reducing ambiguity and improving teamwork.
   • Culture of Quality: Staff become more aware of quality and patient safety goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
   • Professional Development: Emphasis on ongoing training and competency assessment enhances staff skills and confidence.

Challenges Encountered (and overcome):

• Initial Resistance: Staff often resist changes to established routines and extensive documentation requirements.
• Financial Investment: The process requires investment in training, infrastructure upgrades, and sometimes additional staffing.
• Sustaining Compliance: Maintaining accreditation requires continuous effort, regular internal audits, and a commitment to ongoing improvement, which can be challenging post-initial accreditation.
• Documentation Burden: The extensive documentation required can initially be overwhelming for staff.

Conclusion:

The case of NABH accreditation in Indian hospitals clearly demonstrates that accreditation, while often voluntary in its initial pursuit, becomes a powerful and often essential driver for quality, safety, and even financial sustainability in the healthcare sector. It moves organizations from simply meeting legal minimums to striving for excellence, benefiting patients, providers, and the overall healthcare ecosystem. The “stamp of approval” isn’t just symbolic; it represents a fundamental shift towards a more accountable, patient-centric, and high-quality healthcare delivery system.

White paper on accreditation?

White Paper: Accreditation – The Cornerstone of Quality, Trust, and Progress Across Industries

Abstract: In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the assurance of quality, competence, and reliability is paramount. This white paper elucidates the critical role of accreditation as a robust framework for validating adherence to established standards across diverse sectors. It explores the foundational principles of accreditation, its multifaceted benefits for stakeholders, and its transformative impact on various industries, including healthcare, education, and laboratories, with a particular focus on the Indian context. We will highlight how accreditation, once primarily voluntary, has evolved into a strategic imperative and, in many cases, a de facto or legal requirement for organizations seeking to demonstrate excellence, build trust, and ensure sustained success in today’s dynamic environment.

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1. Introduction: The Unseen Pillar of Assurance

The rapid pace of innovation, globalization, and rising consumer expectations necessitate a robust mechanism for quality assurance. Without verifiable standards, trust erodes, and risks proliferate. Accreditation emerges as this vital mechanism – a structured, independent, and systematic process that confirms an organization’s, program’s, or individual’s adherence to predefined benchmarks of quality, competence, and integrity. It is distinct from mere licensing (which typically sets minimum legal requirements) and certification (which often validates specific products, systems, or individuals), focusing instead on the holistic organizational capability and commitment to continuous improvement.

This white paper will:

• Define accreditation and its core principles.
• Explore its essential benefits across key sectors.
• Detail its critical role, particularly in the Indian landscape.
• Advocate for its broader adoption as a strategic imperative for quality-driven growth.

2. Understanding Accreditation: Principles and Process

Accreditation is fundamentally about trust and consistency. It operates on several core principles:

• Standards-Based Evaluation: Accreditation bodies develop rigorous, industry-specific standards in consultation with experts, stakeholders, and often international benchmarks (e.g., ISO standards). These standards cover governance, processes, resources, outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Independent, Third-Party Assessment: The evaluation is conducted by an impartial accreditation body, typically involving expert assessors with deep industry knowledge. This independence ensures objectivity and credibility.
• Peer Review: Assessments often involve “peer” experts from the same field, bringing practical understanding and ensuring the relevance of the evaluation.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Accreditation decisions are based on objective evidence collected through documentation review, on-site visits, interviews, and direct observation of practices.
• Continuous Improvement Cycle: Accreditation is not a static endpoint. It’s a cyclical process involving initial assessment, accreditation, periodic surveillance visits, and re-accreditation, fostering an ongoing commitment to quality enhancement.
• Transparency and Accountability: Accredited entities commit to transparent operations and are held accountable for maintaining standards.

The Accreditation Process (General Steps):

1. Application: The organization submits an application to the relevant accreditation body.
2. Self-Assessment: The organization conducts a thorough internal review against the accreditation standards, identifying gaps and initiating corrective actions.
3. Implementation: Necessary changes are made to policies, procedures, infrastructure, and training to align with the standards.
4. On-site Assessment: An independent team of assessors visits the organization, verifying compliance through observations, interviews, and document review.
5. Report & Decision: The assessors submit a report, and the accreditation body makes a decision (accreditation granted, deferred, or denied).
6. Surveillance & Re-accreditation: Accredited organizations undergo regular surveillance visits and full re-assessments to maintain their status.

3. The Indispensable Role of Accreditation Across Key Sectors in India

Accreditation has become a cornerstone in various Indian sectors, driven by a blend of regulatory mandates, market demands, and the pursuit of excellence.

3.1. Healthcare: Ensuring Patient Safety and Quality (NABH, NABL, JCI)

• Context: India’s diverse healthcare landscape, with its vast patient population and growing medical tourism sector, necessitates robust quality assurance.
• How Accreditation is Required:
  • Insurance Empanelment: For many hospitals and diagnostic labs, NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) and NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditations are mandated by public and private insurance companies (e.g., CGHS, ESI, private insurers) for cashless services and reimbursement. This is a primary financial driver.
  • Medical Tourism: Hospitals aiming for international patients require global accreditations like JCI (Joint Commission International), alongside NABH, to assure adherence to international quality and safety benchmarks, critical for attracting foreign clients.
  • Regulatory Alignment: While NABH is largely voluntary, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (in applicable states/UTs), sets minimum standards that nudge facilities towards comprehensive quality frameworks, often aligning with accreditation principles.
• Benefits Realized: Enhanced patient safety (reduced medical errors, infections), standardized clinical protocols, improved patient satisfaction, increased operational efficiency, better risk management, and a strong competitive edge in a crowded market.

3.2. Education: Elevating Academic Standards and Employability (NAAC, NBA, NMC)

• Context: India’s higher education system is one of the largest globally, facing challenges of quality consistency and graduate employability.
• How Accreditation is Required:
  • UGC Mandate (NAAC): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has mandated NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation for higher education institutions beyond a certain age, making it a regulatory requirement for continued recognition, grants, and affiliations.
  • Professional Recognition (NBA): NBA (National Board of Accreditation) accreditation for technical programs (e.g., engineering, management, pharmacy) is crucial for graduates’ employability, eligibility for certain government jobs, and acceptance for further studies abroad. It signifies adherence to industry-relevant curricula and pedagogical practices.
  • Medical Council/Commission (NMC): The National Medical Commission (NMC) recognition/accreditation of medical colleges is legally mandatory for them to operate, admit students, and award medical degrees.
• Benefits Realized: Improved teaching-learning processes, enhanced research output, better infrastructure, strengthened faculty competence, increased institutional accountability, improved student outcomes, and greater trust from students, parents, and employers.

3.3. Laboratories: Ensuring Reliability and Global Acceptance (NABL)

• Context: Accurate and reliable testing, calibration, and medical laboratory results are fundamental to various industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food, environment, clinical diagnostics) and international trade.
• How Accreditation is Required:
  • Regulatory Compliance: For labs involved in testing products for regulatory approval (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food products), NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation (based on ISO/IEC 17025 for testing/calibration, ISO 15189 for medical labs) is often an implicit or explicit requirement to ensure the legal validity and reliability of test reports.
  • International Acceptance: NABL accreditation, being internationally recognized through ILAC MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement), is essential for labs whose test reports need to be accepted globally without the need for re-testing, thus facilitating trade and reducing costs.
  • Client Trust: Major industries and clients mandate or strongly prefer working with NABL-accredited labs to ensure the accuracy, precision, and impartiality of the results they receive.
• Benefits Realized: Increased customer confidence, reduced re-testing costs, enhanced laboratory competence, improved operational efficiency, better risk management, and access to both domestic and international markets.

3.4. Other Sectors: Expanding Reach and Impact

Accreditation principles are also applied in:

• Certification Bodies (NABCB): The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) accredits organizations that provide certifications (e.g., ISO 9001 quality management systems). This ensures the credibility of the certificates issued, which are often a requirement for businesses in supply chains or tenders.
• Product Certifications (BIS): The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates certification for various products to ensure safety and quality, often requiring manufacturers to adhere to accredited quality management systems.
• Environmental Management, IT Security, etc.: Organizations often pursue ISO accreditations (e.g., ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 27001 for information security) to demonstrate commitment to best practices, driven by client demands or regulatory pressures.

4. The Transformative Benefits of Embracing Accreditation

Beyond the “how” and “where” accreditation is required, its widespread adoption is fueled by a comprehensive set of benefits:

• Enhanced Quality & Safety: The most direct impact, leading to better outcomes, reduced errors, and a safer environment for all stakeholders.
• Increased Credibility & Trust: Accreditation serves as a powerful external validation, boosting an organization’s reputation and building confidence among customers, partners, and the public.
• Operational Excellence: The process drives internal efficiencies, streamlines processes, improves documentation, and optimizes resource utilization.
• Risk Mitigation: By identifying and addressing deficiencies proactively, accreditation helps organizations minimize legal, financial, and reputational risks.
• Competitive Advantage: Accredited entities often stand out in their respective markets, attracting more business and talent.
• Facilitated Market Access: Especially in a globalized economy, accreditation helps overcome trade barriers and enables participation in international markets.
• Continuous Improvement Culture: It instills a mindset of ongoing evaluation, learning, and adaptation, fostering long-term resilience and excellence.

Industrial Application of accreditation?

Accreditation, while a concept rooted in quality assurance, has profound and far-reaching industrial applications. It’s not just about a badge of honor; it’s a strategic tool that impacts operations, market access, risk management, and overall business viability across various sectors.

Here’s how accreditation is applied in different industries:

1. Manufacturing and Product Industries:

• Application: Ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with national and international standards.
• Accreditation Bodies/Standards (India specific):
  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): BIS certification (which often requires manufacturers to adhere to specific quality management systems and have their products tested by accredited labs) is mandatory for a vast range of products in India, including electronics, household appliances, cement, steel, automotive components, and even toys. Without BIS certification, these products cannot be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
  • ISO Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001): While ISO certifications are generally voluntary, they are often required by major buyers in supply chains (e.g., automotive, aerospace, pharma) as a prerequisite for doing business.
    • ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems): Helps manufacturers establish robust processes for consistent product quality, reducing defects and customer complaints.
    • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems): Crucial for industries with significant environmental impact (e.g., chemicals, heavy manufacturing) to demonstrate responsible environmental practices and comply with regulations.
    • ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety): Essential for manufacturing plants to ensure worker safety, reduce accidents, and comply with labor laws.
  • Medical Device Standards (e.g., ISO 13485): Manufacturers of medical devices in India are mandated to comply with ISO 13485 for their Quality Management System as part of the Medical Device Rules.
• Industrial Impact:
  • Market Access: Mandatory certifications (like BIS) are non-negotiable for selling products in the Indian market.
  • Supply Chain Integration: Companies require their suppliers to be ISO certified to ensure quality throughout the value chain.
  • Reduced Defects & Waste: Standardized processes lead to higher efficiency and less rework.
  • Enhanced Reputation: Customers and partners trust products from accredited manufacturers more.
  • Global Trade: Adherence to international standards facilitates exports and reduces technical barriers to trade.

2. Testing, Calibration, and Inspection Services:

• Application: Ensuring the technical competence, impartiality, and reliability of laboratories and inspection bodies.
• Accreditation Body (India specific):
  • National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL): NABL accredits labs across various disciplines (chemical, electrical, mechanical, biological, medical, forensic) against international standards like ISO/IEC 17025 (for testing and calibration labs) and ISO 15189 (for medical labs).
• Industrial Impact:
  • Legal Validity: Test results from NABL-accredited labs are often required for regulatory compliance (e.g., environmental clearances, drug approvals, food safety certifications) as they are legally defensible.
  • International Acceptance: NABL’s status as an ILAC MRA signatory means that test reports from accredited Indian labs are accepted in other MRA member countries, eliminating the need for re-testing of goods for export/import.
  • Risk Mitigation: Industries rely on NABL-accredited labs to ensure the quality and safety of raw materials, in-process goods, and final products, thus reducing product failures and associated risks.
  • Enhanced Trust: Critical for sectors like pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction, and forensics, where accurate measurements and analyses are paramount.

3. Healthcare Services:

• Application: Ensuring patient safety, quality of care, and standardized processes in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
• Accreditation Body (India specific):
  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH): Accredit hospitals, small healthcare organizations, blood banks, eye care centers, dental clinics, and AYUSH hospitals.
• Industrial Impact:
  • Insurance Empanelment: For most hospitals in India, NABH accreditation is a non-negotiable requirement for empanelment with public and private insurance companies (e.g., CGHS, ESI, private health insurers) for cashless services. This directly impacts their financial viability and patient base.
  • Medical Tourism: Hospitals catering to international patients often seek JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation alongside NABH, which is an industrial requirement to assure global standards and attract foreign clients.
  • Reputation and Trust: Accreditation signals a commitment to quality and patient safety, increasing patient preference and public trust, leading to higher patient footfall.
  • Operational Excellence: The accreditation process itself forces hospitals to streamline workflows, implement robust infection control, standardize medication management, and enhance patient communication, leading to improved efficiency and reduced errors.

4. Education and Professional Development:

• Application: Ensuring the quality of educational programs, academic rigor, and graduate employability.
• Accreditation Bodies (India specific):
  • National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC): Accredit universities and colleges.
  • National Board of Accreditation (NBA): Accredit technical programs like engineering, management, and pharmacy.
  • National Medical Commission (NMC): Accredit medical colleges and programs.
• Industrial Impact:
  • Employability: Industries often prefer graduates from NAAC/NBA accredited institutions because it assures them of a certain standard of education, skill development, and industry relevance.
  • Professional Licensure: In fields like medicine, graduates from NMC-recognized institutions are the only ones eligible for professional licensure and practice.
  • Talent Pipeline: Accreditation helps industries trust the quality of the talent pool emerging from educational institutions.
  • Research & Development Collaboration: Accredited institutions are more likely to attract funding and forge research partnerships with industries due to their demonstrated quality and capacity.

5. Certification Bodies:

• Application: Ensuring the impartiality and competence of organizations that certify products, systems (like ISO certifications), or personnel.
• Accreditation Body (India specific):
  • National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB): Accredit certification bodies (e.g., those issuing ISO 9001 certificates).
• Industrial Impact:
  • Credibility of Certifications: When a company holds an ISO 9001 certificate from an NABCB-accredited certification body, it significantly enhances the credibility of that ISO certification, allowing the company to leverage it for marketing and demonstrating compliance to clients.
  • Confidence in Supply Chain: Industries relying on certifications (e.g., for suppliers of critical components) trust certificates issued by accredited certification bodies more.

In summary, the industrial application of accreditation is diverse and pervasive. It acts as a critical enabler for:

• Market Entry and Expansion: Especially for regulated products and services.
• Risk Management: By ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Efficiency and Performance Improvement: Through structured processes and continuous monitoring.
• Enhanced Reputation and Trust: Building confidence among customers, partners, and regulators.
• Global Competitiveness: Facilitating acceptance of products, services, and qualifications across international borders.

Ultimately, accreditation serves as a powerful instrument for fostering a culture of quality, competence, and accountability within industries, directly contributing to their growth and sustainability.

References

[edit]

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73. ^ State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Civil Enforcement Lawsuits: Academy of Natural Therapies Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
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75. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au} “Colleges and universities not accredited by an accrediting body of the Council on Higher Education Accreditation” (PDF). State of Michigan. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 28, 2011. (list is no longer being maintained)
76. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au} Ezell, Allen (2009), “Recent developments with degree mills” (PDF), College & University Journal, 85 (2): 40, archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-13, retrieved 2012-02-03
77. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da db} Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, Unaccredited Colleges Archived January 3, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
78. ^ Dixon-Robinson, Joyce M. (2009-07-08). “Agape Love Bible College – Agape Love Ministries”. Agape Love Bible College – Agape Love Ministries. Archived from the original on 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
79. ^ “Akamai University”. Akamai University.
80. ^ Davis, Jericco; Evans, Darrell; Evans, Norchell (2021-12-25). “Register for Alive University!”. The Way Church. Archived from the original on 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
81. ^ “Higher Education Authority (HEA), Zambia Report”. Apr 20, 2018. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
82. ^ “‘Substandard’ university deregistered”. April 5, 2018.
83. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq} Maine Department of Higher Education, Non-Accredited Colleges & Universities List
84. ^ Jump up to:^a b c Information about some degree-granting institutions not accredited by CHEA-recognized organizations, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, 2004–2006.
85. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j} “For-profit organizational members (organized by accreditation status)”. United States Distance Learning Association. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011.
86. ^ Schubert, Teresa (2023-11-30). “ASM Degreed Info”. Ambassadors School of Ministry. Archived from the original on 2023-12-11. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
87. ^ Ryan, Lynn (2023-03-26). “About Us”. American Academy – Pinecrest. Archived from the original on 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2023-01-22.
88. ^ Tie to illegal degrees doesn’t block Wyo. school licensing, Casper Star Tribune, March 12, 2005.
89. ^ http://www.centuryuniversity.edu/ The ACU website (accessed May 14, 2009) states that the school is accredited by Accrediting Commission International but notes “The A.C.I. Accrediting Commission has not requested a listing nor is it recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.”
90. ^ Jump up to:^a b c d Protecting Australia’s Higher Education System: A Proactive Versus Reactive Approach in Review (1999–2004) Archived January 4, 2006, at the Wayback Machine by George Brown, Proceedings of the Australian Universities Quality Forum 2004 (10 pages)
91. ^ Fernanda Bassette – O Estado de S. Paulo. “A gente encara como curso livre”. Estadão. Archived from the original on 2011-12-21.
92. ^ Accreditation page on the American College of Metaphysical Theology website (accessed November 12, 2007) states that the institution is an “incorporated religious non-profit organization and a non-secular school” that is “not accredited.” The website also states Archived July 7, 2007, at the Wayback Machine that doctoral degrees can be obtained in as little as one month for a full price of $249.
93. ^ Admin (20 July 2023). “HEC warns students about 157 illegal institutions in Pakistan”. www.24newshd.tv. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
94. ^ State of Hawaii Department of commerce and Consumer Affairs, Civil Enforcement Lawsuit: American National University
95. ^ State of Hawaii Department of commerce and Consumer Affairs, Press release: Pacific Western University (Hawaii) aka American PacWest International University Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, May 19, 2006
96. ^ State of Hawaii Department of commerce and Consumer Affairs, Civil Enforcement Lawsuit: American State University Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
97. ^ Jump up to:^a b CBS News, 60 Minutes II, Diplomas For Sale, Nov. 10, 2004.
98. ^ Private Educator Faces New Questions, The Vancouver Sun, 16 October 2006
99. ^ State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Civil Enforcement Lawsuits: American University of Hawaii Archived January 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
100. ^ University Grants Commission, India, Fake Universities Mal Practices Alert Archived August 11, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
101. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m} Non-Approved Entities, Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation, 2007. Accessed November 21, 2010.
102. ^ Pakistan Higher Education Commission, Public Alert on Substandard Private Universities
103. ^ Accreditation Archived 2011-04-07 at the Wayback Machine, American University of Mayonic Science and Technology website, accessed January 17, 2011. “The American University of Mayonic Science and Technology has chosen to not persue [sic] accreditation at this time.”
104. ^ “Minutes – Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education”. 2018-02-22. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
105. ^ “About – American University of Sovereign Nations”. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
106. ^ Bartlett, Thomas and Scott Smallwood (2004). “Maxine Asher Has a Degree for You”. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Archived from the original (http) on 26 February 2006. Retrieved 22 June 2007.
107. ^ Sadeek, Anwar R. (2015-12-20). “About Us”. AWA American Worldwide Academy. Archived from the original on 2023-06-03. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
108. ^ “American University v Americus University and Ronald Bassett”. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07.
109. ^ Ames, Fisher (2017-07-08). “Accreditation Page – AMES Christian University Accreditation”. AMES Christian University. Archived from the original on 2018-08-24. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
110. ^ “Academic Credentials & Affiliations”. Andersonville Theological Seminary. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
111. ^ “Disclaimer”. Association of Independent Christian Colleges & Seminaries. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
112. ^ “Apostolic Theological Bible College”. atbc.org.
113. ^ “Ashbourne University | Higher Education Degree Datacheck”. hedd.ac.uk. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
114. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae} National Universities Commission of Nigeria, Monday Bulletin, Vol 3, No. 32, 18 August 2008 Archived 24 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Pages 7-8.
115. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r} “Illegal/Fake Universities & Campuses”. HEC – Higher Education Commission.
116. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h} Shah, Aditi (2023-08-03). “UGC Declares These 20 Universities Across The Country As Fake, Check List Here”. BQ Prime. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
117. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i} University Grants Commission, India, List of fake universities (as of August 24, 2006) Archived July 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
118. ^ PCUSA, Presbyterian News Service, Barber-Scotia College loses accreditation, July 23, 2004
119. ^ Alabama threatens to pull university license, South Florida Business Journal, October 27, 2000
120. ^ http://bayridgecollege.org Archived 2012-08-23 at the Wayback Machine
121. ^ Jump up to:^a b Craig Malisow, First-Degree Fraud, Houston Press, July 20, 2006
122. ^ “Consumer Watchdog: belford university”. consumerwatchdogbw.blogspot.com.