Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. They accredit and certify over 22,000 health care organizations and programs throughout the U.S.
In order to receive certification for a clinical program, an organization must already be accredited by the Joint Commission. This requires a thorough, on-site evaluation by qualified surveyors. Furthermore, the evaluation will be according to the organization’s specific delivery of care.
According to the World Health Organization, one in ten patients is harmed while receiving hospital care. Because of this, the Joint Commission places patient safety and quality care at the forefront of their initiatives. Receiving accreditation and certification from this institution shows that an organization has taken proper steps to ensure its patients receive the highest quality services.
What Are the Benefits of Receiving Certification from the Joint Comission?
An organization certified by the Joint Commission has several reasons to give their community peace of mind and confidence. Receiving certification shows that the organization:
- Implements evidence-based practice
- Utilizes routine performance measurement to improve performance over time
- Provides additional opportunities for staff to develop their skills and knowledge
- Attracts highly-qualified personnel who prefer to serve in accredited organizations
- Maintains a high level of quality and remains compliant with the latest industry standards
80% of the harm patients endure while receiving medical care is preventable, according to the World Health Organization. The Joint Commission focuses its standards on state-of-the-art performance improvement strategies to secure the constant improvement of a health care organization’s safety and quality of care. This means that receiving your care from an accredited facility ensures that your likelihood of harm is significantly diminished.
Look for that Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission when selecting where to go to receive medical care. That seal will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you will receive proper care.
If you need further assistance to help resolve any issues, please contact the Joint Commission directly by emailing complaint@jointcommission.org or calling 800-994-6619.