LTC Program Overview from the Executive Director

The Joint Commission's Long Term Care Accreditation Program was established in 1966 and today accredits more than 1,300 organizations offering long term care and skilled nursing facility services.

Joint Commission Long Term Care Accreditation helps nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities to integrate quality improvement principles into their daily operations, and improve resident health outcomes. Achieving accreditation also makes good business sense. Not only does accreditation give your organization a competitive edge, but the accreditation process helps your organization to do the right things and do them well. Your organization's commitment to continually improve the way it delivers care and services helps you to reduce organizational risk, enhance your performance on state surveys, and acquire managed care contracts.

Surveyors

Joint Commission surveyors are highly qualified and experienced individuals. Some of the requirements for surveyors include:

• at least five years of leadership experience in a long term care or subacute facility; and
• a strong educational background -- all surveyors have master's degrees and many have doctorate degrees.
• Joint Commission certification as a surveyor.

Prior to performing any surveys, new surveyors attend a multiple day classroom training session, followed by a preceptorship period with experienced surveyors. Surveyors receive ongoing education through annual training programs, conference calls, audiotapes, videotapes and self-directed tutorials.

Please call (630) 792-5286 or (630) 792-5411 for more information about the Long Term Care Accreditation Program.