The intent of the CAAS Standards is to define a "gold standard" for the medical transportation industry of a higher caliber than is typically required for state or local licensing. The revised CAAS Standards--updated to reflect today's emergency medical services environment--are built upon this original intent.

Clearly stated in the introduction to the original standards, "The applicant service desiring to become accredited should do so with the knowledge that it will fall into a class that has more to prove every day, rather than less. That is, the conferment of a Certificate of Accreditation is not justification to rest on that laurel, but to prove at all times that such recognition is warranted. Along with the certification that the agency has met these standards in the past must be the commitment to continue striving to meet new standards and excel in ways not yet adopted into standards."