Episode Description:

In this episode, Areaka breaks down simple, thoughtful, and budget-friendly ways to thank your accreditation assessors without going overboard. From traveler essentials to agency-branded swag, curated packaging, handwritten notes, and smart timing, you’ll hear practical ideas that leave a meaningful impact while keeping things easy and intentional.

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome back

0:47 Why gifts aren’t required (and why you might still give them)

1:21 Keeping appreciation simple and genuine

1:51 Traveler-friendly gift ideas

3:22 Using agency-branded items you already have

4:15 Thoughtful presentation matters

5:12 Adding a handwritten note

6:08 Deciding when to give the gift

7:55 Wrapping up and companion document

Companion document to download:

Smart Ways to Thank Assessors



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Episode Description:

Assessment planning doesn’t have to feel chaotic or last-minute. In this episode, Areaka walks through the five key decisions every agency should make when preparing for an on-site assessment. From choosing dates, coordinating participants, and setting up the assessor workspace to handling travel arrangements and deciding on optional extras, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to stay organized, reduce stress, and set your agency up for success.

Timestamps:

0:00 Welcome and introduction

0:47 Why planning matters

1:21 Decision #1: Dates

2:33 Working backward from your assessment

3:18 Planning mocks and pre-mocks

4:06 Decision #2: Participants

5:01 Decision #3: Assessor workspace

6:02 Internet considerations

6:28 Setting up early

6:56 Decision #4: Travel arrangements

7:46 Per diem and agency processes

8:19 Decision #5: Optional extras

9:08 Companion document reminder

9:35 Closing

Companion document to download:

Assessment Planning – 5 Key Decisions

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Description:

Researching policies doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—or like you’re reinventing the wheel. In this episode, Areaka breaks down the smartest, most reliable places to look when writing or revising agency policies. From accreditation standards to model policies, Florida-specific resources, legal guidance, SME insights, and more, you’ll learn how to build strong, defensible, accreditation-ready policies without starting from scratch.

Timestamps:

1:10 – Why you should never start from scratch

2:05 – Using accreditation standards as a policy foundation

3:15 – Accessing policies from other accredited agencies

4:05 – Florida-specific policy sources

5:05 – Model policies and national associations

6:00 – Legal requirements and counsel

7:00 – Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

8:15 – Additional agreements & governing documents

9:00 – Why policy research matters

10:05 – Wrap-up

Companion document to download:

https://public.powerdms.com/theacademy/documents/2605224

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Description:

Ever wonder how to handle change notices without getting lost or falling behind? In this episode, Areaka walks through what change notices really mean, why the one-year window isn’t a free pass to delay compliance, and how to stay current in PowerDMS. From practical tips to real-world pitfalls, this one will keep you a step ahead — and your assessors impressed.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:44 What are change notices

1:18 Where to find them

2:10 When standards become effective

2:54 The one-year compliance rule clarified

3:40 Common pitfalls agencies face

4:35 When to adopt the new standards

5:10 How to upgrade to new versions in PowerDMS

6:00 How to keep up with future changes

6:55 Handling legislative updates

7:35 Final thoughts and wrap-up

Companion document to download:

Back to Basics Series: Change Notices

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Episode Description:

Wrapping up the highlighting portion of the Back to Basics Series, Areaka Jewell walks you through how to highlight proofs of compliance — those attachments like training records, memos, and reports that show your agency is doing what its policies say it does. Learn how to keep your highlights simple, consistent, and easy for assessors to follow, while avoiding the most common mistakes that make reviews take longer.

Key Takeaways:

• Start by reviewing the standard’s proof of compliance section and noting how many examples and what timeframe is required.

• Highlight both the document title and the date (if applicable) and include any key notations like approvals or signatures.

• Keep highlight labels simple — use “Proof 1,” “Year 1,” or short keywords. Avoid adding names or dates.

• When linking, deselect the default checkbox for the standard statement if your highlight supports a specific bullet.

• Consistency and simplicity make it easier for assessors to follow and for you to maintain across cycles.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and overview of the Back to Basics highlighting series

01:22 – Step 1: Review the proof of compliance requirements and timeframe

02:27 – Step 2: What and when to highlight in your proofs

03:33 – Step 3: Labeling your highlights clearly and consistently

05:06 – Step 4: Linking your highlights to the right part of the standard

06:22 – Wrap-up: Keep it simple, intentional, and repeatable

Companion document to download:

Back to Basics Series: Highlighting Part 2 of 2

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Episode Description:

Ever wonder how much highlighting is too much in your accreditation files? In this episode, Areaka breaks down the art of highlighting written directives in PowerDMS — step by step. Learn how to make your highlights intentional, your labels clear, and your files assessor-friendly without the clutter or confusion.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction to why highlighting matters in PowerDMS

1:20 – Where to find and how to use the highlight tool

2:35 – What to highlight and what to avoid

3:32 – Keeping highlights short and purposeful

4:45 – Labeling highlights clearly without overcomplicating

6:12 – Linking highlights to the correct part of the standard

7:48 – Final reminders and a look ahead to Part 2

Key Takeaways:

• Highlight intentionally — less is more.
• Label highlights briefly; avoid copying full bullet text.
• Always check your linked section to make sure it scrolls to the right part of the standard.
• Consistent, thoughtful highlighting improves assessor experience and your file presentation.

Companion document to download: Back to Basics Series: Highlighting Part 1 of 2

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Accreditation Made Easy, host Areaka Jewell wraps up the Back to Basics mini-series on attachments in PowerDMS assessments. Areaka dives into two often-overlooked attachment types — Simple Note and New Rich Text — explaining when and how to use them effectively. She shares tips on sequencing, the copy feature, hyperlink settings, and even embedding content to make your files more interactive and assessor-friendly.

Timestamps:

0:45 - Welcome back and recap of Part 1 on Upload File and PowerDMS Document methods

1:13 - Introduction to Simple Note and New Rich Text attachment types

1:44 - What a Simple Note is — short, clear, and helps assessors understand context

2:13 - Using a Simple Note for not applicable or no occurrence standards

2:40 - Example of a Simple Note documenting no strip searches this cycle

3:12 - Sidebar: verifying non-occurrences through email or workflow

4:10 - Sequencing Simple Notes and using drag-and-drop to reorder attachments

5:15 - Placing Simple Notes after referenced documents for clarity

5:43 - Using the Copy feature to duplicate recurring Simple Notes

6:24 - Introducing New Rich Text — hyperlinks, images, and embedded websites

6:54 - Embedding websites directly into your assessment for easy assessor access

7:29 - Reminder: make hyperlinks open in a new tab or window

7:55 - Reference to Helpful Tip on embedding content and hyperlink video

8:30 - Wrap-up: how Simple Note and New Rich Text add clarity and accessibility

8:59 - Series recap — all four attachment types covered

9:25 - Preview of next week’s topic: highlighting attachments in your assessment

Companion document to download:

Back to Basics Series: Attachments Part 2 of 2

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Accreditation Made Easy, Areaka Jewell walks through the two main ways to attach written directives and proofs of compliance in PowerDMS: Upload File and PowerDMS Document. She explains where to find each option, how to properly link attachments to the right part of a standard, and why using PowerDMS Documents can make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re brand new to the process or just need a refresher, this episode breaks it down step by step—so you can spend less time uploading and more time improving.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to Accreditation Made Easy and episode overview

00:43 - Why attachments are the backbone of your standards

02:25 - The four types of attachments in PowerDMS

02:50 - Focusing on the two main methods: Upload File and PowerDMS Document

03:18 - Where to find the Attachments tab and Add New Attachment

03:46 - Upload File method explained

04:10 - Understanding and linking checkboxes correctly

05:33 - How to name uploaded attachments clearly

06:22 - The drawback of using Upload File for updates

07:09 - Why PowerDMS Document is the preferred method

07:37 - The benefit of automatic updates with PowerDMS Documents

08:13 - How “Proofs on Steroids” builds on this foundation

08:39 - Best practices for naming written directives and proofs

09:11 - Big picture: why attachments bring your assessment to life

09:41 - Final reminders: link intentionally, name clearly, and use PowerDMS Documents

10:14 - Preview of Part 2 on Simple Notes and New Rich Text

Companion document to download:

Back to Basics Series: Attachments Part 1 of 2

Connect with Areaka

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Know someone doing great things in the accreditation world—or want to share your own insights? We’re always looking for experienced Accreditation Managers, assessors, and change-makers to join us on the podcast. Sign up to be a guest or share with a colleague