What is the role of the Joint Commission?

• A. To finance hospital quality initiatives across the system.
• B. To set standards for and accredit healthcare organizations to ensure quality and safety.
• C. To regulate drug approvals and pricing.
• D. To audit hospital financial statements.

Answer: (B)

The focus here is understanding how The Joint Commission supports quality and safety in health care. This organization develops performance standards for a wide range of health care settings and programs and conducts on-site surveys to determine if those standards are met. When an organization demonstrates compliance, it receives accreditation, signaling to patients, payers, and regulators that it adheres to recognized safety and quality practices. Accreditation by The Joint Commission is often important for participation in Medicare/Medicaid and for payer acceptance. The Joint Commission does not finance quality initiatives, regulate drug approvals or pricing, or audit hospital financial statements, so those roles fall to other agencies and entities.