Joint Commission suspends regular survey visits

Effective March 16, The Joint Commission suspended its regular surveying to avoid interfering with the ability of health care organizations to prepare for and treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only a small number of surveys prompted by high-risk situations will continue. All postponed surveys will occur once operations resume. Accreditations that lapse in the interim will be extended to avoid disruptions in care. According to the commission, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has given assurances Medicare payment status will not be affected by these actions. (Joint Commission Online story, 3/18/20)