Over the past few weeks, The Joint Commission has unveiled new efforts to support healthcare organizations with safe and effective use of artificial intelligence, changed lab survey procedures and announced job cuts.
Below are five key actions and updates from the accrediting body, starting with the most recent:
- The Joint Commission has partnered with the Coalition for Health AI to develop and implement evidence-based guidance on the use of AI in healthcare operations. The first set of recommendations is set to be released this fall. Following publication of the guidance, the organizations also plan to launch an AI certification program.
- On May 27, Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health announced it is pursuing systemwide accreditation for all 69 of its hospitals through The Joint Commission.
- Effective June 2, The Joint Commission started providing laboratories with 14 days’ advance notice of scheduled survey activity. The change, based on feedback from accredited organizations, aligns with CMS guidance for laboratories participating in the Medicare program.
- On May 12, The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum recognized recipients of the 2024 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards. The awards honor achievements in clinical quality and patient safety at national and local levels, as well as individual contributions.
- National award: Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health was honored for its sustained clinical excellence in managing heart failure, maternal hypertension and catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
- Local award: Parkland Health in Dallas was recognized for its comprehensive surveillance program aimed at reducing missed or delayed diagnoses.
- Individual achievement: Elliot Main, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine, received the award for his leadership in creating statewide and national maternal health quality improvement collaboratives.
- On May 7, The Joint Commission confirmed it eliminated 55 administrative positions as part of an effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
