From aligning national safety frameworks to launching new training tools, The Joint Commission is kicking off 2026 with moves that signal a continued shift toward simplification, accountability and practical support for providers.
The latest updates touch quality reporting, professional development, certification standards and recognition programs.
Here are four updates the accrediting body has announced since the start of January, starting with the most recent:
- The Joint Commission is creating a new, outcomes-based cardiac certification program in partnership with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Cardiology. The certification is set to launch sometime in 2026, according to a Jan. 29 news release. It will incorporate data from three national registries from the STS and ACC.
- On Jan. 26, The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum said they are moving to align their serious safety event reporting frameworks in an effort to reduce redundancy and administrative burden on providers. The accrediting body will adopt the NQF’s Serious Reportable Events, or SRE List, across all accredited domestic and international organizations, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Read more here.
- The Joint Commission and the National Association for Healthcare Quality have rolled out a new regulatory and accreditation micro‑credential focused on practical survey readiness. The self‑paced program trains healthcare professionals on how to interpret standards, manage surveys and sustain corrective actions, according to a Jan. 20 news release. It’s designed for organizations looking to build more consistent, in‑house accreditation expertise as requirements continue to evolve.
- The Joint Commission on Jan. 6 opened applications for its 2026 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards and the Bernard J. Tyson Award for Pursuit of Healthcare Equity. The awards recognize organizations and individuals with demonstrated, data-backed improvements in safety, quality or health equity, with at least 12 months of results required for most categories. Applications are due March 9 and there is no cost to apply.
