R3 Report Issue 24: PC Standards for Maternal Safety
Effective July 1, 2020, 13 new elements of performance (EPs) will be applicable to Joint Commission-accredited hospitals. These new requirements are within the Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services (PC) chapter at PC.06.01.01 and PC.06.03.01 and are designed to improve the quality and safety of care provided to women during all stages of pregnancy and postpartum. The United States ranks 65th among industrialized nations in terms of maternal death. Because of worsening maternal morbidity and mortality, The Joint Commission evaluated expert literature to determine what areas held the most potential impact. The literature review revealed that prevention, early recognition, and timely treatment for maternal hemorrhage and severe hypertension/preeclampsia had the highest impact in states working on decreasing maternal complications. This approach was supported by a technical advisory panel assembled by The Joint Commission, resulting in the development of EPs that focus on these complications.