Create one column per facility and rows for record or license verification, who conducts the individual review, response to changing symptoms, current availability, fit decision, admission status, services actually confirmed, payment verification, family involvement, and continuing-care planning. In every cell, write confirmed, needs review, or not established, followed by the source and date. Avoid a single overall score. One unresolved safety-process question can matter more than several convenient features.
SAMHSA quality guidance supports asking about licensing, accreditation, evidence-supported care, medications when clinically appropriate, family involvement, and continuing-care planning. Ask these as questions rather than assuming every item applies or is offered. For example: “What licensing or accreditation can you verify?” “How does the program decide which care is appropriate?” “How are medication questions reviewed when clinically relevant?” “How can family participate, if appropriate and authorized?” and “How does planning for care after discharge begin?” Do not translate vague replies into yes answers.
- Can the program distinguish verified credentials from memberships, marketing, or pending applications?
- Who explains the care approach and how it relates to individual needs?
- How are family involvement and continuing-care planning handled, and what remains conditional?