Comment on proposed new infection control requirements for hospitals, critical access hospitals

The Joint Commission is proposing new Infection Control (IC) requirements on preparedness for high-consequence diseases or special pathogens, which will replace the current standard IC.01.06.01 on preparing for an influx of potentially infectious patients. We are seeking input from the field on the new requirements.

The primary goal of these new requirements — for Joint Commission-accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals — is to align the standards and elements of performance (EPs) more closely with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Conditions of Participation and to streamline the chapter to be more cohesive and concise. They are based on the available guidance documents (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center) and recommendations from The Joint Commission’s technical advisory panel on emerging infectious disease preparedness.

Comment now on the proposed requirements. Feedback will be accepted until July 5.