Joint Commission gift policy reminder

While it is the giving season, The Joint Commission would like to remind accredited, certified, and verified organizations of our gift policy that prohibits the acceptance of any gifts. The policy helps ensure the integrity of The Joint Commission’s accreditation, certification, and verification decision process, as well as to ensure independence in business judgment.

Gifts can include anything of value given to or by Joint Commission employees, including cash, cash equivalents, or entertainment; gratuities; meals (except for modest onsite meals); gift certificates; tickets to sporting events, cultural or community events, or invitations to performances or other events; favors (specially arranged for the recipient and not commonly offered to everyone); discounts; free services; space; equipment; loans; education; lodging; or transportation.

Gifts do not include emergency healthcare, security, or safety provisions to protect staff while onsite for consultation or survey/review.

Few exceptions are allowable for accepting gifts. To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, it is in the best interest of organizations not to offer – and for surveyors and reviewers not to accept – gifts. However, if an organization feels it necessary to provide something, surveyors and reviewers can accept promotional mementos and souvenirs of nominal (i.e., little) value if given after the survey or review and when there is no apparent attempt to influence a business decision. Good judgment and caution are necessary in these situations. Examples of gifts of nominal value include promotional items such as a pen, coffee mug, cap, or T-shirt that carries an organization name or logo.

Questions related to the gift policy may be directed to JD, MHA, Corporate Compliance and Privacy Officer and Senior Assistant General Counsel.