The Joint Commission has updated its policy regarding notification of changes within accredited organization. The updated policy took effect Oct. 1.
The “Notifying The Joint Commission About Organization Changes” policy appears in the Accreditation Process (ACC) chapter of the Comprehensive Accreditation Manuals.
Previously, organizations needed to notify The Joint Commission within 30 days after a significant change. Because some changes might result in the need for on-site survey activity, the policy now requires organizations to provide written notification to The Joint Commission when the change initially is contemplated. In other words, organizations now are required to notify The Joint Commission when leaders approve moving forward with the change and they identify a timeframe for implementing the change.
This new schedule allows the agency time to consider if there will be any effect on accreditation, such as the need for an on-site survey and the timing of the survey. Once the change is official, the organization should update its electronic application for accreditation, referred to as the E-App, within 30 days.
“Notifying The Joint Commission About Staffing Firm Changes” in the Health Care Staffing Services Certification Manual also will be updated. The changes will be included in the full manual update and the 2017 manuals. To see the wording, go to http://bit.ly/2cRw5I2.
