Licensing is a legally mandated government function designed to ensure the protection of persons served by regulated programs. Accreditation is a private, voluntary function designed to promote recognition of program quality. Accrediting bodies usually require programs to be licensed before they can become accredited. For some types of programs, the Office of Licensing may substitute the standards of the accrediting body for certain selected licensing regulations. Programs regulated by the Office of Licensing may be accredited by one or more of the following accrediting bodies: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredits health care organizations, including ambulatory care, assisted living, behavioral health care, health plans, home care, hospitals, laboratory services, and long term care. Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA) accredits organizations that provide child- and family-services and behavioral health care. Commiss
