Introduced in February 1997, The Joint Commission’s ORYX® initiative integrates outcomes and other performance measurement data into the accreditation process. ORYX measurement requirements are intended to support Joint Commission accredited organizations in their quality improvement efforts. A component of the ORYX initiative is the identification and use of standardized—or “core”—performance measures. The Joint Commission’s principal intent is to identify, rather than develop, sound measures that support both the objectives of the ORYX initiative and organizational process improvement.
ORYX requirements for home care organizations
ORYX performance measurement requirements for accredited home care organizations no longer require participation with a listed performance measurement system. Accredited home care organizations have a variety of options available for meeting Joint Commission ORYX performance measurement requirements based on the type(s) of home care services provided.
Medicare-Certified home health agencies
Option 1: At the time of survey, share with Joint Commission surveyors quality indicator data reports for the set of Quality Measures for home care, derived from the federally mandated Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), that are publicly reported on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Web site, Home Care Compare.
Option 2: Participate with a Joint Commission listed performance measurement system and submit aggregate monthly data to The Joint Commission on six performance measures.
Durable medical equipment providers
Joint Commission ORYX performance measurement requirements for accredited home care organizations whose principal business is durable medical equipment remain suspended until further notice. Home medical equipment providers are still required to meet performance measurement and improvement requirements as detailed in The Joint Commission’s home care standards.
All other home care organizations (e.g., hospice, non-Medicare certified home health organizations, pharmacy, etc.)
Option 1: Home care organization selecting this option will need to identify six performance measures from the universe of measures, collect data internally and generate either run charts or control charts on each measure at least quarterly, for use in internal quality improvement activities. No data are required to be submitted to The Joint Commission, but data reports will need to be available for review by surveyors during onsite surveys, and produced upon request of The Joint Commission. At the time of survey, the organization will need to discuss how the data were used in identifying priorities for performance improvement activities.
Option 2: Participate with a Joint Commission listed performance measurement system and submit aggregate monthly data to The Joint Commission on six performance measures.
These options are in effect until a relevant set of standardized measures is established and implemented by The Joint Commission.
Home care organizations providing multiple types of home care services:
Home care organizations that provide Medicare-Certified home health services along with other types of home care services that do not require the collection of OASIS data are required to follow the ORYX reporting options for Medicare-Certified home health agencies.
For more information
For more information about ORYX for home care organizations, contact Frank Zibrat, associate director, at fzibrat@jointcommission.org or (630) 792-5992. For general information about ORYX, visit The Joint Commission Web site, call the ORYX Information Line at (630) 792-5085 or submit questions to oryx@jointcommission.org.
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