Evolving with Care for Hospitals

Prior to scheduling, The Joint Commission is first taking into account the number of COVID-19 cases by county. For areas deemed appropriate for an on-site survey, surveyors are required to wear a face covering throughout the survey and practice appropriate physical distancing.

Surveyors will not be permitted to travel if they display symptoms or report close contact with anyone with COVID-19.  On-site, surveyors will not enter areas with  COVID-19 positive patients and will observe from a distance or remotely.

If an on-site is not possible, we will consider a virtual survey for hospitals achieving accreditation for the first time (initial surveys). This is typically a four-day process conducted via Zoom that includes interviews with staff and patients, observations of key care processes and a facility review. A follow-up on-site event will be conducted once the public health emergency has ended.

Through dedicated infection control standards and expert surveyors well-versed in the CDC recommendations, we will model the correct implementation of infection prevention and control strategies to educate and support the hospitals we survey.

Here we have gathered some key resources to help hospitals address patient safety and quality challenges accelerated due to COVID-19 such as infection prevention and control, and emergency management.

Have questions? Currently accredited organizations or recent applicants should contact their account executive for more information. If you’re new to the accreditation process, submit your question and our friendly staff will reach out.