Joint Commission Releases Report Explaining New Flu Vaccination Requirements

The Joint Commission has released an R³ Report that provides detailed information about a requirement that all Joint Commission-accredited healthcare organizations establish an annual influenza vaccination program for licensed independent practitioners and staff.

In addition to establishing a vaccination program, the standard will require accredited health care organizations to set incremental goals for meeting a 90 percent coverage rate by 2020. Organizations also will be required to measure and improve vaccination rates for staff. The Joint Commission standard will not mandate influenza vaccination for staff as a condition of accreditation.

 

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The R³ Report provides information on the elements of performance for the vaccination standard that goes into effect July 1, 2012, as well as specifics about three of the elements of performance that will be phased in by July 1, 2013 for certain types of organizations. In addition, the R³ Report provides the rationale for the standard, reference information, results of feedback from the field and outstanding issues related to performance measures for vaccination rates.

To view the R³ Report on the new infection control standard related to influenza vaccination programs, click here.

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