Overview of upcoming Joint Commission changes

Over the next couple of months, several Joint Commission programs, standards, and updates will go into effect. Here is a brief overview of some of the bigger changes and the months they’ll go into effect.
August
•    Elimination of Plans for Improvement (PFI)—After August 1, all PFIs will be replaced by Requirements for Improvement (RFI) issued by the surveyor.
September
•    Updated diagnostic imaging standards—The accreditor published a checklist to help healthcare organizations prepare for new standards.
November
•    2012 Life Safety Code® (LSC)—CMS and The Joint Commission will begin surveying hospitals on the 2012 LSC on November 1. HFAP has published its prepublication standards for LSC surveys as well.
January
•    Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP)—On January 1, ASPs will be mandatory in CMS- and Joint Commission-accredited facilities.
•    Survey Analysis for Evaluating Risk (SAFER) matrix—As of January 1, the SAFER matrix will replace the current Category A and C scoring methodology.
•    Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG)—On January 1, The Joint Commission’s newest NPSG will go into effect, with facilities expected to drastically cut the rate of CAUTIs.
•    Updated Integrated Care (ICC) program standards—Effective as of January 1 for Joint Commission-accredited facilities
•    Updated advanced heart failure certification—Effective as of January 7 for Joint Commission-accredited facilities