Ackrediteringsstandarder

Ackrediteringsstandarder are formal criteria and procedures used to evaluate and certify the quality of organizations, processes, or educational programs. The standards are developed by national or international accreditation bodies and are intended to provide a common framework for assessing competence, reliability, and compliance with regulatory or professional requirements. The purpose of these standards is to promote continuous improvement, protect public interest, and facilitate mutual recognition of qualifications across borders.

A typical accreditation standard comprises several core elements: scope of accreditation, the governing principles, the assessment methodology, and the criteria for evidence and documentation. The assessment methodology usually involves self‑assessment by the candidate, external review by expert panels, and final decision making based on predefined thresholds. The criteria may cover areas such as governance, resources, staff qualifications, methodological rigor, and outcomes measurement.

Accreditation can be specific to various sectors: clinical laboratories, dental practices, educational institutions, and vocational training programs, to name a few. For example, in Sweden, the Swedish Accreditation Body (SAB) applies standards for universities and research institutions, while the Swedish Board for Health Technology Assessment evaluates medical devices and diagnostics. Internationally, bodies such as ISO and the International Accreditation Forum provide universal standards like ISO 15189 for medical laboratories.

Implementation of ackrediteringsstandarder fosters transparency, accountability, and a culture of excellence. It also facilitates mobility of professionals and products by providing a common language of quality that can be accepted by other jurisdictions. The continuous updating of standards, in line with technological progress and evolving best practices, ensures that accreditation remains relevant and effective over time.