La Pine: New changes on the way from The Joint Commission

Coming Soon from The Joint Commission: New format, new numbering system, and more logical layout.

The Joint Commission’s (TJC) Standard Improvement Initiative (SII) will be bringing a new, logical structure to the manual chapters.  The manual will also have a new numbering format designed to allow electronic sorting and make possible the addition of new requirements within the outline.  TJC reported that all of the standards and the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) will be in sync with the chapter outline.  Each standard and NPSG will be assigned a 6-digit number.  For example, the 2008 Infection Control (IC) Chapter IC.4.15 will be appear as IC.02.04.01.  This number represents:

• 02 – the standard is in the implementation section (II)
• 04 – the standard pertains to Influenza Vaccinations (D)
• 01 – the first standard in the section

The 2009 standards will be reorganized and will include new chapters (example:  NPSG) all arranged in alphabetical order by title.  Changes to the standards have been made to clarify the language as well as to delete duplicative requirements.

Check The Joint Commission website in July to review the revised 2009 standards for ambulatory, critical access hospital, home care, hospital and office-based surgery programs.  To help with the transition to the new numbering system, TJC will provide an extensive, historical crosswalk.

These documents will be on the website until the printed manuals are published in September 2008.

Carole  La Pine, MSA, CPMSM, CPCS