Health Equity

Joint Commission standards have supported the provision of care, treatment, and services in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to individual patient needs for many years. Since care spans a broad continuum and involves a complex interplay of both individual and system behaviors, the standards that support effective communication, cultural competence, and patient- and family-centered care are found throughout the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (CAMH).

View the related Standards FAQs

R3 Report provides the rationale and references that The Joint Commission employs in the development of requirements.

Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community
This field guide from The Joint Commission urges U.S. hospitals to create a more welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that contributes to improved health care quality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients and their families.

Read the field guide

Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient-and Family-Centered Care: A Roadmap for Hospitals
This monograph was developed by The Joint Commission to inspire hospitals to integrate concepts from the communication, cultural competence, and patient- and family-centered care fields into their organizations.

Read the roadmap

Quick Safety Issue 23: Implicit Bias in Health Care
This field guide from The Joint Commission urges U.S. hospitals to create a more welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that contributes to improved health care quality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients and their families.

Read the Quick Safety

The Joint Commission applauds your commitment to health equity and literacy. Whether you’re helping patients overcome language barriers, or making sure your staff respects cultural needs, your efforts make it easier for people to access care and live healthy lives.

We also know that sometimes you need help training employees, implementing programs or adopting best practices. Below you’ll find resources that can assist you.