Accreditation & Licensing

Quality of Care

Residential healthcare requires robust oversight to ensure safety, quality of care, and that the most modern evidence-based approaches are used. Here at PQ, we exceed the standards and create an environment where transparent client-centered care is provided to every resident and their family. In addition to a team of independently licensed MDs, RNs, PHDs, LCSWs, NDs, and more, we also maintain licensing through the state of Hawaii, and Accreditation at the highest level through CARF.

Hawaii State Department of Health

Pacific Quest is licensed by the Hawaii State Department of Health as a Therapeutic Living Program. Successfully undergoing this rigorous evaluation process means we are held to incredibly high standards when it comes to quality of care and safety, accountability and oversight, professional recognition and credibility, and protection of patients’ rights.

Legal Authority to Operate

  • Licensing is granted by the Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA), a division of the DOH.
  • Without this license, a program cannot legally house or serve residents as a TLP in Hawaii.

Licensing Requirements

To receive and maintain a TLP license, a program must show compliance with Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 98, which cover:

  • Physical environment: Safety, sanitation, fire protection, and appropriate housing conditions.
  • Staff qualifications: Training and credentials for supervisors, counselors, and direct-care staff.
  • Resident care: Admission criteria, individualized service plans, medication management policies.
  • Operations: Record keeping, reporting, governance, and grievance procedures.
  • Rights protection: Ensuring residents’ rights, confidentiality, and access to services.

State Oversight

  • The DOH inspects and monitors licensed programs to confirm ongoing compliance.
  • The license is usually time-limited (often annual) and must be renewed.
  • Programs can face penalties, suspension, or revocation if they fail to comply with standards.

PQ is accredited as RTC by CARF

  • CARF is an international, independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services
  • They accredit programs in behavioral health, substance use, rehabilitation, disability services, and aging services
  • Their focus is on quality, accountability, and outcomes — not just minimum safety like licensing

The Accreditation Process

  • The organization applies and undergoes a comprehensive self-evaluation against CARF’s standards
  • A CARF survey team (experienced professionals from outside the program) conducts an on-site or virtual survey to review policies, observe services, and interview staff and residents
  • CARF issues an accreditation decision
  • Programs must show continuous quality improvement to maintain accreditation

What Accreditation Signifies

  • PQ meets internationally accepted standards of care in residential behavioral health
  • Our services are safe, effective, person-centered, and continuously improving
  • Our organization has made a voluntary commitment to quality beyond state licensing

What does does accreditation cover?

CARF’s Residential Treatment accreditation applies to programs that provide:

  • 24/7 supervised living arrangements
  • Therapeutic services (such as mental health, substance use treatment, or co-occurring disorder support)
  • A structured environment that helps clients stabilize, recover, and prepare for reintegration into the community

CARF’s standards address areas such as:

  • Person-centered care: Each resident has an individualized treatment plan
  • Clinical quality: Evidence-based therapies, medication management, relapse prevention, aftercare planning
  • Staff competence: Training, credentials, supervision, and continuing education
  • Health & safety: Risk management, emergency preparedness, safe environments
  • Cultural competence: Services delivered in a respectful and inclusive way
  • Program outcomes: Tracking and improving success rates, client satisfaction, and long-term effectiveness