R3 Report Issue 33: Nursing Care Center Accreditation Standards
Nursing Care Center Accreditation Standards
Effective July 1, 2022, all Joint Commission–accredited nursing care centers (NCCs) will have 29 new and 55 revised standards and elements of performance (EPs) that will span multiple accreditation manual chapters. The revisions reflect the most current clinical practice guidelines and best practices for infection control, dementia care, staff recruitment, retention and wellness, pressure injuries, and medication safety. As part of the standards review process, The Joint Commission looked at key topics that are most likely to impact the quality and safety of patients and residents in the long-term care and memory care settings. Several of the updates also reflect lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, there will be 10 new and 4 revised EPs for NCCs that participate in the Memory Care Certification program that align with the Alzheimer’s Associations dementia care practice recommendations. These new and revised standards were designed with the primary goal of improving quality and safety in these settings.
To provide support to organizations implementing these new requirements, we have added additional resources and tools at the end of this R3.
Engagement with stakeholders, accredited organizations, and experts
In addition to a review of the scientific literature and practice guidelines from nationally recognized industry leaders, The Joint Commission also conducted the following field reviews:
- Public Field Review open to all professionals with expertise in the long-term care and memory care settings. The field review was posted on The Joint Commission website, posted on LinkedIn, and sent to accredited NCCs and NCCs certified in memory care.
- Standards Review Panel (SRP) experts in the field of long-term care and dementia care who provided a “boots on the ground” point of view and insights into the practical application of the proposed standards.
The prepublication version of the revised requirements will be available online until June 30, 2022. On July 1, 2022, please access the new requirements through E-dition or the standards manual.