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The Joint Commission has updated its frequently asked question about non-licensed, non-employee individuals for the ambulatory, hospital, critical access hospital, and office-based programs, as well as home care, laboratory, and long-term care programs.

SDS Accreditation Update: Joint Commission updates FAQ

September 1, 2012

SDS Accreditation Update

Joint Commission updates FAQ

The Joint Commission has updated its frequently asked question about non-licensed, non-employee individuals for the ambulatory, hospital, critical access hospital, and office-based programs, as well as home care, laboratory, and long-term care programs.

In the "Human Resources" section, The Joint Commission has the following question listed: "What are The Joint Commission's expectations regarding non-licensed, non-employee individuals in health care organizations, including health care industry representatives (HCIRs)?"

The Joint Commission's updated response includes the following (with new information in boldface): "For non-employees brought into the organization by licensed independent practitioners, there are two additional requirements regarding qualifications and competence of these individuals (HR.01.02.05, EP 7 and HR.01.07.01, EP 5). Note: This requirement does not apply to health care industry representatives as they are not under the direction of a licensed independent practitioners." (Editor's note: HR.01.02.05 EP 7 addresses review of the qualifications of a nonemployee who enters the facility through a licensed independent practitioner to provide care, and HR.01.07.01 EP 5 addresses review of the performance of a nonemployee who enters the facility through a licensed independent practitioner to provide care.)