The Joint Commission (TJC) has accredited U.S. healthcare organizations since 1951. For hospitals, accreditation signals independent third-party verification of quality systems — and is recognized by CMS as satisfying conditions for Medicare/Medicaid participation.
The Accreditation Survey
Surveys are unannounced and conducted by trained physician, nurse, and administrator surveyors evaluating:
- National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs)
- Infection Control standards
- Medication Management
- Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- Emergency Management
- Environment of Care
- Leadership and Human Resources
🏥 2025 Joint Commission NPSGs for Hospitals
- Improve accuracy of patient identification
- Improve communication among caregivers
- Improve safety of using medications
- Reduce healthcare-associated infections
- Reconcile medications across care transitions
- Reduce patient harm from falls
- Universal Protocol to prevent wrong-site surgery
Gold Seal of Approval
Accreditation earns the Gold Seal of Approval — valid for 3 years with ongoing monitoring. Verify current status at qualitycheck.org — do not rely on hospital websites alone.