HHSC recognizes certain accrediting organizations (AO) as having standards that meet or exceed those enforced by HHSC. Agencies that obtain accreditation are exempt from regular HHSC surveys.

The term "Accreditation Organization" encapsulates any AO with current HHSC approval listed on the HCSSA Provider Portal page under the Accreditation Agencies tab. 

Note: To demonstrate that an agency is exempt it must send the accreditation documentation from the accredited organization to the HHSC designated survey office no later than six months after the effective date of its license.