Hospital accreditation is vital to ensuring safe and high-quality care. In the U.S., the "big three" accrediting organizations are The Joint Commission, DNV, and HFAP (now part of ACHC). They conduct comprehensive surveys to assess compliance with standards. Deemed organizations are accredited by CMS-approved entities, allowing them to meet Medicare and Medicaid requirements without direct CMS surveys. The Joint Commission, formerly JCAHO, conducts voluntary surveys to evaluate compliance in various settings. The Program Specific Tracer evaluates equipment and supply management, and the Environment of Care and Emergency Management assessment assess compliance with relevant standards. DNV GL is a global quality assurance company with a healthcare arm pioneering the NIAHO® program, focusing on continuous improvement and patient safety. They offer program certifications for specialty care areas, emphasizing compliance with standards. The merger between ACHC and HFAP aims to offer complete accreditation and certification services to healthcare providers globally.