La Pine: News from The Joint Commission - MS.1.20 Implementation Delayed

Not so long ago, MSPs were confused, frustrated and concerned about The Joint Commission’s Standard MS.1.20.  For months it seemed like major effort and expense would be required by almost every TJC accredited hospital to comply with this standard.  Thanks to a number of interested organizations, TJC heard the concerns and formed a Task Force to look into the many issues regarding the impact of this revision to the standard.

A recent “special bulletin” by the American Hospital Association stated that the concerns being addressed include:

• The MS.1.20 language was a surprise to the field
• The language of the standard was confusing
• The responsibility and authority of the hospital board and medical executive committee were diminished

The standard was to go into effect January 1, 2009.  That date has been delayed because of the recommendation of the Task Force.  It is anticipated that the Task Force will present a report to TJC Board at the August meeting.

Carole La Pine, MSA, CPMSM, CPCS