DEKRA Audit Netherlands
What are the benefits to certifying against the HKZ Small Organizations standard?
DEKRA Audit Netherlands
What are the benefits to certifying against the HKZ Small Organizations standard?
HKZ Small Organizations
One HKZ standard designed specifically for smaller care and welfare organizations
HKZ Small Organizations is a specific quality standard developed by HKZ (Harmonization of Quality Assessment in the Healthcare Sector) for small-scale care and welfare institutions. With this certification, you demonstrate that your organization meets professional quality standards and is continuously working on improvement. Whether your organization operates under the Long-Term Care Act (WLZ), the Social Support Act (Wmo), or in another healthcare sector, an HKZ certificate proves that your quality is in order - and stays that way.
Who is the standard HKZ Small Organizations for?
As the name HKZ Small Organizations suggests, this standard is intended for care and welfare organizations that want to implement and secure quality management, but do not have the size and complexity of larger institutions. In this way, this HKZ certification helps smaller organizations to set up and improve an effective healthcare management system. The HKZ Small Organizations standard was specifically developed for:
- Small healthcare providers such as independent treatment centers, solo practitioners, and small-scale care facilities.
- Care and welfare organizations with limited staff, up to a maximum of 10 FTEs.
- Care entrepreneurs seeking a quality label to demonstrate their professionalism and reliability.
- Organizations without complex management structures, where quality management must be simple and practically applicable.
Continuous learning and improvement with HKZ Small Organizations
The HKZ Small Organizations certification scheme helps identify risks clearly at both organizational and process levels. This enables you to implement improvements effectively, without unnecessary administrative burden. The standard is specifically tailored to the healthcare sector, with extra attention to the unique characteristics of small care institutions. As a result, HKZ Small Organizations aligns perfectly with current themes such as:
✅ Client self-direction
✅ Collaboration with chain partners
✅ Shared decision-making (patient participation)
✅ Collaboration with chain partners
✅ Shared decision-making (patient participation)
Moreover, an increasing number of clients, including insurers and government bodies, require HKZ certification. The greatest benefit? It encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement, making your organization stronger and future-ready.
The certification process at DEKRA
Below, you will find the 7 steps of the certification process in a clear and accessible overview. The steps show how the trajectory progresses from the initial kennismaking to certification and ongoing follow-up, so you know what to expect at each stage.
What are the benefits for HKZ Small Organizations?
- More efficient processes: Less administrative burden and more focus on care delivery.
- Increased trust: Clients, partners, and funders see your organization as a reliable care provider.
- Improved collaboration: The standard encourages an integrated approach and cooperation across the care chain.
- Attractive to employees: Working at an HKZ-certified organization means working in a quality-driven environment.
HKZ Small Organization
Ready for the first step?
With DEKRA as your certification partner for HKZ Small Organizations, you benefit from an expert, practical approach backed by proven experience. Our auditors are ready to give you more information about the full process of management system and process certification. Contact DEKRA today and take the next step toward a strong, future-ready organization.