The HSO Difference

Our people-centered programs and services have been setting the bar for quality across the health ecosystem for more than 60 years. We continue to grow in our reach and impact.

HSO offers health standards, to improve health care and social services globally.

HSO develops standards that have been adopted in over 12,000 locations across five continents. HSO is the only SCC accredited Standards Development Organization dedicated to health and social services. Global standards developed by HSO meet requirements of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), and our National Standards of Canada are recognized by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).

All HSO standards and programs are shaped by evidence and experts, including people with lived experience. We are united by a common vision, mission, and values. We believe the pursuit of quality should be proactive, people-centred, evidence-based, and drive continuous learning and measurable improvement.

People-centred care guides what HSO does and how HSO does it. It calls for a renewed focus on the interaction and collaboration between people, leading to stronger teamwork, higher morale, and improved coordination of care. This ensures people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, by the right people.

We believe that standards set through a rigorous and people-centred standards development process, supports ongoing quality improvement measures in health care systems, leading to higher quality health services for all.

Standards Catalogue