The Joint Commission released an accreditation process overview touching on the important aspects of preparing for accreditation.
Here are eight things to know about accreditation:
1. The Joint Commission surveys are unannounced, usually, except for a few exceptions such as initial surveys.
2. The survey is designed to support efforts to improve performance.
3. Surveyors evaluate function performance and processes aimed at patient outcomes by tracing care, reviewing information and documentation and observing and interviewing staff.
4. Scoring is based on compliance with the Joint Commission standards and requirements, specific for performance expectations.
5. There is a preliminary Summary of Survey Findings Report after the on-site survey, but that doesn't include the scores or final decision.
6. The accreditation decision is made after the survey when the Joint Commission Central Office staff has a chance to review.
7. The accreditation cycle is continuous so long as the organization has a full, unannounced survey within 36 months of the last survey and meets requirements.
8. The standards are published electronically in the E-dition and in hard copies by the Joint Commission Resources.