Medical Rehabilitation

Our person-centered, field driven standards promote evidence-based practices and person-centered care that enhance the functional ability and quality of life of persons with lived experience of a disease, disorder, or injury.

What we accredit

Standards for the following types of programs/services in a variety of settings, clinical environments, and specialty areas are in the Medical Rehabilitation (MED) Standards Manual:

  • Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program
  • Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Program
  • Residential Rehabilitation Program
  • Home and Community Services
  • Concussion Rehabilitation Program
  • Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program
  • Occupational Rehabilitation Program
  • Occupational Rehabilitation Program–Comprehensive Services
  • Vocational Services
  • Independent Evaluation Services
  • Case Management

Specialty program designations

These specialty standards can be added the programs listed above:
  • Pediatric
  • Amputation
  • Brain Injury
  • Cancer Rehabilitation
  • Spinal Cord
  • Stroke

Welcome video

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Medical Rehabilitation and the programs included.

Get to know the standards

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Education and training

See the training calendar for details about our training opportunities and educational webinars.

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Purchase the standards

The standards are available for purchase through our online store.

Additional information

CARF accreditation is part of the scoring algorithm for Newsweek’s best physical rehabilitation center rankings. Learn more.

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Resources

Appendix D from the manual lists hyperlinks to information on topics referenced in the standards.

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Best physical rehabilitation center rankings

CARF accreditation is included in the scoring algorithm for Newsweek’s best physical rehabilitation center rankings.

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Best hospitals for adult rehabilitation

Top rehabilitation hospitals ranked by U.S. News & World Report. 41 of the 50 have CARF-accredited programs!

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CARF Connection blog

Learn about current trends, improving services, and the latest CARF news.

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Limb Loss Prevention Registry

A collaborative data hub to collect and report patient outcomes for improved care for limb preservation, limb loss, and limb difference.

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Performance Management Workbook

Designed to walk providers through the process of designing a performance management system.

We are your partner for quality and success

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Value of accreditation

Our consultative peer-review process promotes active, dynamic planning focused on impact and outcomes. Learn how we can help your organization.

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Steps to accreditation

Accreditation takes time to prepare for and requires ongoing improvement efforts. We will be with you every step of the way.

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We’re here to help!

No matter where you are in your accreditation journey, we are here to answer your questions and provide assistance.

The Managing Director

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Terrence Carolan, MSPT, MBA
Managing Director of Medical Rehabilitation and Aging Services

Terrence Carolan has more than 20 years of experience as a provider, educator, and administrator in the medical rehabilitation field.