What is the difference between certification and accreditation of nursing homes?
Nursing homes are certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide care to Medicare and Medicaid recipients. This certification is obtained after regular inspections by trained state and federal inspectors. Nursing homes are accredited through private organizations, such as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Accreditation is voluntary, and is not the same as being certified by CMS to be a Medicare/Medicaid provider.
