Joint Commission standards are the basis of an objective evaluation process that can help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The standards focus on important patient, individual, or resident care and organization functions that are essential to providing safe, high quality care.
Joint Commission standards help you develop strategies to address the most complex issues and identify key vulnerabilities in the patient care experience. The standards review various aspects of your care delivery process, ensuring a comprehensive review of the patient care experience. The accreditation and certification standards manuals are available in print and electronic formats and can be purchased from Joint Commission Resources ® .
The Joint Commission regularly updates its requirements for accreditation. As part of that process, we seek input from health care professionals and others with knowledge in a variety of settings. You can help by reading and commenting on proposed requirements related to your practice area.
Prepublication standards are used to communicate upcoming changes to our standards and Elements of Performance (EPs). The reports are posted before being published in E-dition and the comprehensive manuals.
For answers to frequently asked questions about standards, please visit the Standards Interpretation section.
The Universal Protocol is accessible as part of the National Patient Safety Goal chapter from your accreditation manual.