Updated Universal Protocol:

The 2010 Universal Protocol is now accessible as part of the National Patient Safety Goal chapter from your accreditation manual.

Universal Protocol Poster

Download English Version (PDF)  -   Download poster artwork file
(Requires Adobe Reader)                   (Requires Mac Quark 6.0+)

Download Spanish Version (PDF) -   Download poster artwork file
(Requires Adobe Reader)                   (Requires Mac Quark 6.0+)

There are NO copyright or reprinting permissions required for the Speak Up materials or copy. In references to the materials or copy, we do ask that The Joint Commission be credited as the source for the materials or copy.   For more information see "About the Speak Up Program." 

Additional resources on wrong site surgery:

• Facts about the Universal Protocol
• Help Prevent Errors in Your Care - For Surgical Patients
• Tips to Prevent Wrong Site Surgery
• "A follow-up review of wrong site surgery," Sentinel Event Alert, Issue 24, December 5, 2001, Joint Commission.
• "Lessons learned:  Wrong site surgery," Sentinel Event Alert, Issue 6, August 28, 1998, Joint Commission.
• "Statement on ensuring correct patient, correct site, and correct procedure surgery," Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons, Vol. 87, No. 12, December 2002. 

For more information, contact the Standards Interpretation Group at (630) 792-5900 or submit your questions to our online question form.