Maintaining security during a Joint Commission survey

Facilities often have questions when surveyors come to visit. Some of the most frequently asked questions involve security and confidentiality, how to make sure surveyors see what they need to without violating hospital safety. In the July issue of Perspectives, The Joint Commission answered some of the most frequent questions.

Access to Computer Systems: Surveyors will sign security agreements with the facility in order to receive a user ID and password to access a computer system (for example, in order to review policies and medical records) if the facility requires it.

Confidentiality Agreements: If a facility wants surveyors to sign a confidentiality agreement, then that agreement has to be sent to the Joint Commission Central Office for review before the survey.

That said, asking surveyors or reviewers to sign an agreement is unnecessary, according to The Joint Commission. Accreditation and certification contracts, plus the Business Associate Agreement between The Joint Commission and the facility, already bind individual surveyors and reviewers to confidentiality.

Security Sign-In: If a facility requires visitors to sign into the building as part of the organization’s regular security process then surveyors will sign in too. In lieu of asking to copy a surveyor’s driver’s license, Joint Commission badge, or any other form of ID, facilities should refer to surveyors’ pictures and biographies on the Joint Commission Connect™ secure extranet site.

Videotaping Survey Activities: Videotaping or recording any part of a survey or review, including the exit conference is forbidden.