During the research phase, the accreditation standards must be thoroughly reviewed by both chief executive officers and command personnel, and the decision to seek accreditation must be carefully assessed. The next phase involves obtaining and maintaining internal and external support for the decision. This may be more difficult if sweeping operational and procedural changes are necessary. Special attention must be given to selection of the accreditation manager and team and to current resource allocation practices and equipment. After completion of the application package and the preparation and submission of the agency profile questionnaire, agency self-assessment begins. Standards should be divided into areas of organizational responsibility, and progress toward the achievement of the standards should be reported and reviewed weekly. The policies and procedures manual should be drafted, reviewed, revised, printed and distributed, and an agency-wide training program should be implemented. Prior to the onsite accreditation assessment, standards should again be reviewed and proofs of compliance prepared. When the assessment team arrives, it will inspect every aspect of administration, operations, documentation, facilities, and equipment and conduct interviews with personnel. A final report is mailed to the agency about 2 weeks after the team leaves. If compliance is achieved, the agency will be formally accredited.