CHSPS-VPD-300 · Validation Methodology 2026.1

Validated Performance Data

Uploading a number does not make it validated. VPD is the independent validation methodology between self-reported performance results and results that may eventually support public reporting or benchmarking.

Methodology status. Validator workflow, evidence expectations and decision categories are published in Validation Methodology 2026.1. A result may carry a CHSPS validation label only after the applicable dataset completes this controlled process.

Validation method

Validate the lineage, the denominator and the calculation — not just the final percentage.

1 · Systems & lineage

Trace the result

Review the path from source event to system of record, extraction, transformation, calculation and submitted value.

2 · Completeness

Test the denominator

Assess whether eligible records are complete and whether exclusions and exceptions are supported by the specification.

3 · Accuracy

Reperform calculations

Independently recompute selected results and reconcile differences to the submission.

4 · Source sampling

Verify underlying records

Use risk-based source-record sampling scaled to volume, complexity, prior issues and measure sensitivity.

5 · Anomaly review

Investigate unexpected patterns

Review unusual missingness, denominator shifts, perfect results, extreme year-over-year changes and inconsistent exclusions.

6 · Correction & determination

Preserve the audit trail

Correct factual errors through a controlled resubmission process; the validator then issues a defined outcome.

Independence principle. A validator should not optimize, pre-approve or redesign the same organization's measure calculation and then independently validate that work. The framework defines conflict screening, recusal and cooling-off requirements for validator independence.

Validation outcomes

Validation status is separate from accreditation status.

Outcome	Meaning	Public use
Validated — Reportable	Specified result and reporting period meet the applicable validation requirements.	Potentially reportable if the measure itself is approved for public use.
Validated — With Qualification	Result is usable only with a defined, disclosed limitation.	Only with the qualification displayed with the result.
Correction Required	A correctable deficiency was identified and a controlled resubmission is required.	Not reportable until resolved.
Not Reportable	Minimum validation requirements were not met.	No CHSPS-validated public claim.
Validation Suspended	A significant data-integrity or process concern requires investigation.	No reporting while suspended.

These decision categories are controlled by Validation Methodology 2026.1. Threshold changes require controlled revision supported by validation evidence and governance review.

What a validator would retain

Specification and reporting-period version
Data-lineage documentation
Source-system inventory
Sampling plan and selected records
Reperformance workpapers
Discrepancy and correction log
Conflict and independence attestations
Final determination and limitations

What the VPD label means

Only that the specified result for the specified period passed the applicable data-validation process. It would not by itself mean that the organization is accredited, that the result is above average, or that the measure is benchmark eligible.

Accreditation status, measure status, validation status and benchmark eligibility should remain separate fields in every public profile.

Not sure where you fit?

Find your pathway in 30 seconds.

Answer one question about what you operate and see which accreditation fits — then start a free eligibility inquiry whenever you're ready.

Find Your Pathway

Validator reference bands

VPD quality bands 2026.1

VPD-01

Denominator completeness

Preferred≥ 99.5%

Watch98.0–99.4%

Review< 98.0%

VPD-02

Numerator accuracy

Preferred≥ 99.5%

Watch98.0–99.4%

Review< 98.0%

VPD-03

Exclusion accuracy

Preferred≥ 99.0%

Watch97.0–98.9%

Review< 97.0%

VPD-04

Source-record agreement

Preferred≥ 99.0%

Watch98.0–98.9%

Review< 98.0%

VPD-05

Calculation reperformance

Preferred100% exact

WatchOne immaterial variance

ReviewAny material variance

VPD-06

Critical discrepancies

Preferred0

Watch1 corrected before finalization

Review≥ 1 unresolved

VPD-07

Data-lineage traceability

Preferred100%

Watch98.0–99.9%

Review< 98.0%

VPD-08

Correction completion ≤10 business days

Preferred≥ 95.0%

Watch90.0–94.9%

Review< 90.0%

Interpretation safeguard. CHSPS Reference Criteria are reasoned technical references, not empirical industry benchmarks and not automatic accreditation thresholds unless a normative CHSPS standard expressly incorporates the value.