Final answer:
An agency, including nonprofit health organizations, private hospitals, or governmental health services, must have a license, certification, or accreditation to operate and provide care, with a survey sometimes being part of ongoing compliance checks.
Step-by-step explanation:
For an agency to operate and provide care, such as a nonprofit health organization, a private hospital, or a governmental agency like Health and Social Services, it is required to have at least one of the following: a license, certification, or accreditation. Moreover, an agency may undergo a survey to ensure compliance with health standards and regulations.
Licensing is typically a state-level requirement that must be met in order to operate legally. Certification may be required to demonstrate that an agency meets certain federal standards, especially if they receive government funding or participate in Medicare or Medicaid programs. Accreditation is an optional process through which an agency can choose to undergo, often conducted by independent bodies, to validate that the quality of care provided meets or exceeds particular professional standards and best practices.
In summary, all agencies must at least have a license to provide healthcare services. Certification and accreditation are additional layers of recognition and validation of the quality and efficacy of the services provided. Lastly, a survey is often a part of maintaining licensure, certification, or accreditation, ensuring ongoing compliance with required standards.