Joint Commission Adds Standards to Improve Maternal Outcomes

The latest Joint Commission R³ (Requirement, Rationale, Reference) Report describes changes to two maternal safety standards accredited hospitals must meet. Thirteen new elements of performance are being introduced to improve the quality and safety of care provided to women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The changes were informed by a literature review, which revealed high, state-level impacts from prevention, early recognition and timely treatment for maternal hemorrhage and severe hypertension/preeclampsia. The revised standards will become effective on July 1, 2020. (Joint Commission Online story, 8/28/19)