JCAHO to revise performance areas for random surveys

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations plans in 2004 to revise the performance areas evaluated during random unannounced surveys. Beginning in 2004, the reporting of standards compliance will be organized by "critical focus area" — processes, systems, or structures in a health care organization that significantly affect the quality and safety of care.

The revision is part of a series of standards and survey process changes under the organization’s Shared Visions — New Pathways initiative. The 2004 fixed performance areas will include staffing, infection control, medication management, and the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals that are relevant to the organization’s care and services. The variable performance areas will be based on prioritized critical focus areas specific to each organization.

For more information, see the announcement at www.jcaho.org/news+room/.