Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

The long-term care industry is regulated through both government agencies and private institutions. One organization that I found interesting during module 4 readings was the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, otherwise known as JCAHO.

JCAHO is an independent, non-profit, organization whose mission is, “To continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value” (“Joint Commission”). JCAHO, which was founded in 1951 and began LTC accreditation in 1966, accredits a wide range of LTC organizations such as hospitals, sub acute care units within hospitals, and home healthcare agencies. JCAHO provides “deemed status” to those it accredits which means they are in compliance with Medicare conditions for participation and do not need to be surveyed separately by Medicare (Pratt, 259).

JCAHO is made up of a group of 29 physicians, administrators, nurses, employers, labor representatives, health plan leaders, quality experts, ethicists, consumer advocates, and educators. Participation in accreditation is voluntary and not mandated.  Those wishing to participate in accreditation must write a letter requesting participation and must pay privilege fees (Pratt, 259). JCAHO is focused on quality outcomes and is resident-centered, and performance focused. Today, organizations seek accreditation from JCAHO as proof of their high-quality care.

I think it’s interesting that LTC organizations face both public and private regulatory issues. Out accrediting agencies talked about in chapter 9, I think JCAHO is interesting because it provides accredited organizations with “deemed status”. Thus, these organizations only have to be surveyed by JCAHO to prove their compliance with Medicare standards. Also, it makes sense that organizations would participate in accreditation as a way to prove that they are providing high-quality care.  This shows that they are aware of the importance of regulations in place and are willing to comply to set their level of care to higher standards than the typical organization. If I was in search of a long-term care facility, I would most definitely choose one that is accredited.

"Joint Commission Fact Sheet." The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission, 23 Aug

2010. Web. 4 Nov 2010. <http://www.jointcommission.org/AboutUs/Fact_Sheets/joint_commission_facts.htm

Pratt, John R. Long-Term Care: Managing Across the Continuum. 3rd. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett, 2010. 259-260. Print.