Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) that want to participate in the Medicare program must be in compliance with the Conditions of Participation (COP) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS accepts accreditation by CIHQ to deem critical access hospitals to be in compliance with the COP'.

As a deemed-status provider, CIHQ provides hospitals with the tools and support they need to successfully achieve accreditation. CIHQ's philosophy and approach to accreditation is to engage with hospitals in a collegial, respectful, and educational manner; while assuring services are provided at a reasonable cost.