As defined by Code of Federal Regulations Section 485.51, a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility is a nonresidential facility that is established and operated exclusively for the purpose of providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and restorative services to outpatients for the rehabilitation of injured, disabled, or sick persons, at a single fixed location, by or under the supervision of a physician, except as provided in CFR Section 485.51(c). A CORF provides a broad array of services that must include, at a minimum, the following three core services: physician services, physical therapy services, and social work or psychological services.
CORFs are not state licensed or accredited and may be certified to participate in the federal Medicare Program.
Provider Certification
The Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services directs state health agencies or other appropriate agencies to determine if health care entities meet federal standards. This helping function is termed "provider certification." Health Care Regulation staff are responsible for providing certification oversight on behalf of CMS for CORFs.
For more information on the certification process, refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Information page, or contact your regional office (PDF).