Road to Accreditation
A step-by-step roadmap from application to award.
A structured, international assessment — with transparent steps.
HQACI is an independent international healthcare accreditation body conducting structured external assessments in line with internationally recognised accreditation good practice.
HQACI accreditation is based on official HQACI Accreditation Standards defining requirements for governance, patient safety, clinical quality, and organizational performance.
Governance & Independence
HQACI operates as an independent accreditation body under a defined governance framework. Activities are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, contractual obligations, and internationally recognised accreditation good practice — ensuring full organizational independence, impartiality, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.
Impartiality & confidentiality
HQACI does not provide consultancy services to applicants or accredited organizations. All surveyors, committee members, and personnel are bound by confidentiality obligations. Assessment reports and detailed findings remain confidential — only the accreditation status, approved scope, and validity period are made publicly available.
Three-year accreditation cycle
Accreditation is granted for a three-year cycle. During this period HQACI may conduct periodic or random monitoring — document reviews or remote follow-up assessments. Monitoring does not constitute a full reassessment.
Organizations are informed of planned monitoring activities at least one month in advance. Reaccreditation through full reassessment occurs at the end of the cycle.
Step-by-Step Process
Application
Submit application and supporting documentation to HQACI.
Self-Assessment
Organization conducts internal review against HQACI standards.
Survey Visit
Two independent surveyors (General Management + Clinical) conduct on-site assessment.
Decision
Independent Accreditation Decision Committee reviews findings and issues accreditation decision.
Ongoing Monitoring
Accreditation is granted for a 3-year cycle with periodic monitoring activities.
Assessment methodology
Assessment is based on cross-verified evidence. Identified nonconformities are classified as Minor, Major, or Critical.
Document review
Structured review of policies, procedures, and quality records.
Interviews
With leadership, clinical staff, and support functions.
On-site or remote observation
Direct observation of clinical and operational practice.
Reporting & Corrective Action
- 15 daysAssessment report delivered within 15 working days of survey completion.
- 15 daysOrganization submits Corrective Action Plan (CAP) within 15 working days of receiving the report.
- 30 daysCorrective actions implemented within 30 working days of CAP approval (extensions in writing).
The CAP must include
- Root cause analysis for each nonconformity
- Defined corrective measures
- Assigned responsible personnel
- Implementation timelines
Failure to submit or implement the CAP within deadlines may trigger escalation — conditional status, follow-up assessment, or suspension.
Independent Decision Committee
Decisions are taken exclusively by an independent Accreditation Committee — surveyors do not participate. A decision is not submitted to the committee where Major or Critical nonconformities remain unresolved, or where nonconformities exceed one-third of assessed applicable standards.
Accreditation granted within approved scope.
Decision deferred pending corrective action.
Accreditation suspended for serious noncompliance.
Accreditation withdrawn when standards are no longer met.
Application denied when requirements are not met.
Surveyor Structure
Assessments are conducted by two independent surveyors: a General Management Surveyor (governance, management systems, regulatory compliance, risk management, occupational and fire safety) and a Clinical Surveyor (clinical governance, patient safety, epidemiology, infection prevention and control, clinical risk management).
General Management Surveyor
- Governance & management systems
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk management
- Occupational & fire safety
Clinical Surveyor
- Clinical governance
- Patient safety
- Epidemiology
- Infection prevention & control
- Clinical risk management
Eligibility & Application
HQACI accreditation is open to all organizations that provide healthcare services. Accreditation is granted to the organization as a whole — accreditation of individual services or departments is not conducted. The process begins with submission of the official application form; after review, HQACI issues a formal quotation and draft accreditation agreement. Activities commence only after the agreement is signed.
Required documents
- Legal registration documents
- Organizational structure
- Scope of healthcare services
- Quality management documentation
- Relevant policies and procedures
Complaints & Appeals
HQACI maintains formal procedures for receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints and appeals in a transparent, fair, and impartial manner.
Concerning the conduct of a survey, surveyors, the process, or an accredited organization's compliance with HQACI standards.
Concerning formal accreditation decisions issued by HQACI.
Costs
The organization bears the travel, accommodation, and daily allowance costs for on-site assessments — minimum economy-class flights and four-star hotel accommodation.
Language
Accreditation activities are conducted in English unless otherwise formally agreed. Where necessary, the organization is responsible for translation support.
After accreditation
Accredited organizations must inform HQACI promptly of any addition, reduction, or significant modification of services, ownership, governance, or operational structure. The accreditation status is made publicly available in HQACI's official register. Misuse of the accreditation mark — particularly during suspension, withdrawal, or limitation of scope — is prohibited.