Evolving with Care

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 survey is not possible, we will consider a virtual survey. This process conducted via Zoom includes interviews with staff and patients and observations of key care processes. A follow-up on-site event will be conducted once the public health emergency has ended. To date, nearly 30 virtual surveys have been conducted, enabling nursing homes to meet state regulatory requirement deadlines.

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 nursing homes we survey.

Here we have gathered some key resources to help nursing homes 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.