Q. What is the time frame that the Joint Commission permits before a deficiency to a life safety feature must be entered in Part 4 of the SOC? In other words, does The Joint Commission allow the organization to manage the resolution to a life safety deficiency through a work order system if it can be resolved quickly?
A. The Joint Commission allows resolution of a deficiency by either correcting it immediately (preferred), managing it using a corrective maintenance work order system (with tracking capabilities) with resolution within 45 days, or creating a Plan for Improvement (PFI) and managing it using the electronic Statement of Conditions (SOC).