Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)?

CAAS is an independent, nonprofit accrediting agency dedicated to promoting excellence in mobile patient care. Since 1990, CAAS has developed and maintained the nationally recognized standards for ambulance services and medical response systems, ensuring that EMS organizations operate with safety, efficiency, and accountability. Accreditation verifies that your organization meets or exceeds essential, consensus-driven standards for administration, operations, and clinical performance.

Which EMS organizations are eligible?

All ambulance systems are eligible for three-year accreditation, including private, public, fire department, hospital-based, third-service, and not-for-profit providers.

How did CAAS begin?

In 1982, the American Ambulance Association convened a national workshop that identified the need for high-quality EMS standards. After eight years of development and collaboration among national EMS experts and professional organizations, CAAS was incorporated in 1990 as an independent commission to accredit ambulance services using those standards. Founding representation included the American Ambulance Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Association of EMTs, National Association of EMS Physicians, National Association of State EMS Officials, and the Emergency Nurses Association.

Today, more than 170 agencies across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean are accredited, with many more actively preparing applications.

Why pursue CAAS accreditation?

CAAS accreditation strengthens every aspect of your organization. It validates that your agency meets rigorous standards in clinical quality, safety, and organizational integrity—and provides a proven framework for continuous improvement.

• Patients & Communities: Confidence in safe, reliable, equitable care every day.
• Local Officials: Independent validation of operational, financial, and compliance practices.
• Medical Community: Assurance that prehospital care meets nationally accepted, physician-reviewed benchmarks.
• Your Organization & Staff: Pride, engagement, and measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and accountability.

What’s new in Version 4.0?

Version 4.0 (ANSI/CAAS v4.0-2024) is the most comprehensive update in CAAS history. Highlights include:

• Expanded structure for clarity: Administration, Clinical, Operations, and Special/Other Services.
• Safety & culture: Just Culture, incident reporting, hazard preparedness, and organizational safety planning.
• Technology & privacy: Annual technology vulnerability analyses, continuity and response plans, and evaluation of tech response.
• Workforce & leadership: Leadership development, succession planning, recruitment, diversity, and retention.
• Equity: Community diversity, special populations, and implicit bias awareness programs.
• Scope: 147 clearly defined standards with measurable characteristics and documentation requirements.

Which areas of operation are included?

• Administration, governance, compliance, and financial accountability
• Leadership development, HR policies, recruitment, diversity, and retention
• Risk management and organizational safety
• Clinical oversight, protocols, documentation, CME, and quality improvement
• Vehicles, equipment, facilities, preventive maintenance, and cleanliness
• Technology, data security/continuity, and communications/dispatch
• Community education, media relations, public directories, and advertising

Does accreditation improve patient care?

Yes. Accredited agencies demonstrate continuous improvement through documented procedures, performance indicators, and medical oversight. Agencies track trends, act on findings, and engage the Medical Director across protocols, training, equipment, and clinical review.

How does accreditation affect our people?

Accreditation strengthens culture—clarifying expectations, reinforcing fair and consistent practices, and elevating pride. It also enhances recruitment and retention by signaling a commitment to quality and safety.

Do accredited agencies operate more safely?

Yes. Version 4.0 adds deeper requirements for just culture, adverse event reporting, sentinel event analysis, ongoing driver monitoring, hazard vulnerability analysis, and loss control—protecting patients, providers, and the organization.

What are the steps to become accredited?

1. Self-Assessment: Review the CAAS Standards v4.0 and identify needed policy/process updates.
2. Application: Purchase and complete the Application Package (includes the full standards and documentation checklist).
3. Evaluation: CAAS performs an off-site review followed by an on-site evaluation by a three-member team, including a board-certified emergency physician.
4. Deliberation: An independent Panel of Commissioners makes the final accreditation determination.
5. Accreditation: Successful agencies earn a three-year accreditation and the right to display the CAAS Accreditation Seal.

What do the application materials include?

The package provides the standards, a documentation checklist with required evidence for each standard, a folder structure for organization, and submittal instructions.

How long does it take to complete the application?

Timeframes vary by size and readiness. Many agencies complete preparation and submission within 12–16 months, allowing for policy alignment, documentation collection, and staff engagement.

What is the submittal process?

Agencies use the CAAS v4.0 folder structure and submit the completed application and supporting documentation on USB drives, per the instructions included with the Application Package. CAAS is actively evaluating an online submission platform to further streamline this process.

How can we get support as we prepare?

• Accreditation Seminars & Webinars: Version 4.0 guidance on standards, documentation, and submittals.
• Ask CAAS: Submit questions directly to CAAS staff.
• Peer Mentorship: Connect with accredited agencies for practical tips and lessons learned.
• Reviewer Training Materials: Understand how reviewers assess compliance.

Contact CAAS Headquarters at 847-657-6828 or info@caas.org. Visit www.caas.org for resources and events.