Q&A: Maintaining survey readiness

Q: What are some ways to stay current with Joint Commission standards changes?

A: There are many ways to stay current with changes. They key is to make The Joint Commission do as much of the work for you as possible. Here’s how to do this:

• Keep your current standards manual available. The electronic version of the standards manual includes a section labeled “What’s New” or “New Standards.” New standards are listed in this section.
• Make sure you have access to Perspectives, which is typically sent to the leader of record in your organization. You will have to determine how to have this document channeled to you in a timely manner. This way, you can identify who needs what information. Remember that Perspectives is the official communication vehicle of The Joint Commission and all changes must be published there.
• Monitor the standards FAQs. Once they are published, they become the gospel for future surveys. Check the FAQs on a regular basis, such as monthly. If you check regularly, it becomes routine.
• Subscribe to The Joint Commission’s Online newsletter. This is a good heads up regarding changes that will be published in Perspectives in the future.
• Subscribe to other non-Joint Commission publications, such as Briefings on The Joint Commission published by HCPro, Inc. Many of these types of newsletters and blogs offer information on pending or published changes.

Editor’s Note: Do you have a question about clarifying RFIs, policy management, or survey-prep for our experts? E-mail your queries to Jaclyn Zagami at jzagami@hcpro.com and receive one-on-one advice from our experienced advisory board. Submit a question and our credible sources will provide you with a timely answer.