Joint Comission | 5
replacement, diabetes, and heart failure.
To earn and maintain The Joint Com-
mission’s Gold Seal of Approval, an organi-
zation must undergo an on-site survey by a
Joint Commission survey team every three
years, and laboratories must be surveyed ev-
ery two years. During the on-site evaluation,
Joint Commission expert surveyors examine
crucial issues such as the safe use of medi-
cations, infection prevention and control,
patient assessment, and patient rights. This
rigorous process requires hospitals and other
health care organizations to demonstrate a
track record of standards compliance. Ac-
creditation and certification also includes
candid interviews with patients, families,
and staff about care practices.
Organizations want an accreditation
and certification process that helps them to
provide safe, high-quality care on a daily ba-
sis, andThe Joint Commission is committed
to meeting this need. This is the value of ac-
creditation. Specifically, The Joint Commis-
sion helps accredited and certified organiza-
tions to:
• Organize and strengthen patient safety ef-
forts and reduce risks;
• Strengthen community confidence in the
quality and safety of care;
• Provide professional advice and counsel,
enhancing staff education;
• Improve the quality of patient care by re-
ducing variation in clinical processes;
• Provide a framework for program structure
and management;
• Provide an objective assessment of clinical
excellence;
• Create cohesive clinical teams; and
• Promote a culture of excellence across the
organization.
