Central Fabrication Accreditation Guide

The Organization Standards address the legal status and legitimacy of the business and the establishment of internal policies and procedures. To be fully compliant with the standards in this section, the business must be able to demonstrate how the requirements are met. The business must provide documentation that it is legally constituted where it is located and provide full disclosure of all ownership information.

A written policy manual must be available that outlines the ongoing operating procedures and that the business has adopted a mission statement. In addition, all licenses, certificates and permits must be appropriately displayed.

OG1

The business documents that it is a legally constituted entity in the state(s) in which it is located and is authorized to provide the services for which it is seeking accreditation.

Tip–Legally Constituted Entity

You must provide legal documentation of proof of ownership. Examples of this are your Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) or Articles of Organization (LLCs).

You must have available for the onsite survey all applicable business licenses and necessary permits from federal, state and local governments. Since licensing and permit requirements vary among jurisdictions, it is critical that you follow the specific requirements for your jurisdiction.

OG2

The business shall disclose its ownership and control information.

Tip–Ownership Disclosure

You must identify all of the business owners. You can do this with corporate records and/or your corporate tax records.

OG3

The business complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Tip–Federal, State and Local Laws

You will need to show proof of compliance. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• OSHA Regulations
• Fire safety/inspection codes
• Building and occupancy permits

OG4

All licenses, certificates and permits to operate the business must be current and available for review.

Tip–Licenses, Certificates and Permits

The following documents must be displayed as required by your locality. All documents must be current. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Business license from your city or county
• Zoning or occupancy permit
• Sales tax license
• Fire department permit
• Registration with the FDA, if applicable

OG5

The business has a written policies and procedures manual that is available to and adhered to by the staff.

Tip–Policies and Procedures

You must have documented policies and procedures that describe how your business activities are performed. You must inform and make available to your staff these policies and procedures. You can do this with staff meetings and/or by providing your staff with electronic access or hard copies of the policies and procedures. When you change or add to the policies you need to inform your staff and have documentation of staff notice.

OG6

The business has adopted a mission statement that includes a description of the services provided and its goals and objectives.

Tip–Mission Statement

Your mission statement could be part of your policy manual, available in your facility and/or posted on your website.

OG7

The business shall have one or more individuals with authority, responsibility and accountability, who perform leadership functions.

Tip–Business Leadership

These individuals have the authority to direct key aspects of the business. They could be identified on organizational charts or with written job descriptions.

OG8

The business makes reasonable accommodations for its employees and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Tip–Accommodations for Employees

Examples are:

• Ramps, entrances and exits must be appropriate for the business
• Staff using wheelchairs, walkers, crutches or other mobility aids must be able to access the facility
• Restrooms must be accessible to your staff
• Doorway width must be appropriate for your staff

OG9

The buildings and grounds are appropriate to the nature of the services provided.

Tip–Buildings and Grounds

Your premises must meet all local zoning regulations. The business must comply with state and local health and fire codes and occupancy classifications for this location. There must be adequate space to safely conduct business.

OG10

The business has specific laboratory area(s) consistent with the services offered.

Tip–Laboratory Space

You must have a laboratory area appropriate for fabricating, adjusting, repairing and modifying.