ACHC is the only national health care accrediting organization started at the grass-roots level by a few home care providers endeavoring to create a viable option of accreditation sensitive to the needs of small providers. The model was to “ensure a voice for providers."

The inception began in 1985 in Raleigh, North Carolina, through the efforts of members of the state home care association and a few representatives from four divisions of state government. Incorporation was accomplished in August of 1986, with the first accredited organization being awarded a certificate in January of 1987. ACHC began offering services nationally in 1996.