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

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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. 43 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.

Suicide — a global public health issue

Go to our suicide prevention page for resources and to learn about CARF’s involvement in bringing awareness to the issue.

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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.