Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

The Joint Commission on the Accrediation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization, which evaluates and accredits more than 16,000 health care organizations in the United States. The mission of JCAHO is to continuously improve the safety and quality of health care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations.

To earn and maintain accreditation, an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a JCAHO survey team at least every three years. Surveyors look at policies, records, tour facilities extensively, and query employees to determine if they have been properly trained.

JCAHO requires seven management plans which address the Environment of Care:

1. Fire Prevention Management

2. Safety Management

3. Hazardous Materials and Waste

4. Emergency Preparedness

5. Medical Equipment

6. Utility Systems

7. Security

Any Medical Center employee can view the management plans on the Medical Center's intranet in the Manuals and Documents section.

A Fact Sheet has been created to help inform employees about Environment of Care issues.

If you have any questions contact Environmental Services at Ext. 35159.