American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Development of a standard under a consensus process provides transparency and ensures the opportunity for meaningful participation by all groups that are affected. A true consensus process also has procedures to ensure balance, consideration of dissenting views and a process for appeals. ANSI is the coordinator of the U.S. standards process and provides strict objective requirements for accreditation of organizations following those processes. A credible rating system must be developed using a process that embodies the elements of consensus as defined by ANSI.