Reminder: Do not offer Joint Commission surveyors, reviewers gifts

As a reminder, The Joint Commission has a gift policy that prohibits the acceptance of any gifts related to accreditation. This policy is designed to ensure the integrity of The Joint Commission’s accreditation and certification decision process, as well as to ensure independence in business judgment.

The Joint Commission’s official policy regarding what can be accepted from healthcare organizations seeking accreditation with respect to gifts is:

• Joint Commission employees involved with the accreditation and certification decision process (surveyors and reviewers) cannot accept any gift of value from a surveyed/reviewed or accredited/certified organization. A modest onsite meal is acceptable for efficiency purposes and is not considered a gift.
• Very few exceptions are allowable for accepting gifts. To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, it is in the best interest of organizations — as well as surveyors and reviewers — if no gifts are offered.
• Cash, cash equivalents, or entertainment cannot be accepted.
• If an organization feels it necessary to provide something, then promotional mementos and souvenirs of nominal value (an item of little value, such as a promotional item like a pen, coffee mug, cap or T-shirt that carries an organization name or logo) are not considered gifts and can be accepted if given after the survey or review and when there is no apparent attempt to influence a business decision.

Questions may be directed to Fran Carroll, JD, MBA, Corporate Compliance and Privacy Officer, at .