The Joint Commission launched the new Integrated Care Certification option.
Here are six things to know about the certification:
1. The new certification assesses healthcare organizations' ability to integrate information sharing, transition care, hand-off communications and other key activities for patients moving between the hospital and outpatient care settings.
2. It was developed as a starting point for improving patient outcomes with better coordinated care. The certification focuses on leadership, clinical integration, patient and family engagement.
3. Currently, the standards are flexible to accommodate different system types, including large health systems with several campuses to small independent hospitals and primary care practice groups.
4. The certification is designed to help organizations develop a foundation for using data to identify risk points and determine better ways to manage risk. The certification can help manage complex conditions that require inpatient and ambulatory care.
5. At least one of the healthcare system's components — such as the hospital services or ambulatory care — must already have The Joint Commission's accreditation before seeing the integrated care certification.
6. The certification is for three years and specialists in integrated care serve as reviewers. The certification is separate from the accreditation process and doesn't impact the organization's accreditation status.