2025 survey enhancements: Short names for standards and elements of performance on SAFER® Matrix

Starting in January 2025, the Survey Analysis for Evaluating Risk^® (SAFER^®) Matrix, an essential part of The Joint Commission’s survey report for all accredited health care organizations, will include short descriptors or “short names” alongside the standard and element of performance (EP) numbers on the Matrix.

Using simple, short names in plain English to describe standards and EPs will help healthcare organizations more easily identify and understand areas for improvement. For example, in the following sample SAFER Matrix, “Reusable Equip Policy/Procedure” is the short name associated with Infection Prevention and Control (IC) Standard IC.04.01.01, EP 4. Another short name is “Completed Medical Records” for Record of Care, Treatment, and Services (RC) Standard RC.02.01.01, EP 2. These short names provide quick reference to the standard and EP’s intent. To understand the SAFER Matrix going forward, one does not need to know the standards and EPs by their numbers to understand the topics of the findings because the short names provide enough description for a quick reference.

Short names will appear on the SAFER Matrix on the daily briefing summary, as well as in the preliminary and final accreditation survey reports starting in January 2025. Short names for certification and verification will be included in the future as part of regular reviews and updates.