Accreditation In Health Care

Accreditation is a process of review that healthcare organizations voluntarily participate in to demonstrate the ability to meet predetermined criteria, and standards established by a nationally recognized professional accrediting agency. The purpose of accreditation is to validate the fact that a health care organization provides the highest quality of care to patients and, is in continuous compliance with nationally established standards of quality (Carman & Timsina, 2015). Accrediting organizations develop a fiduciary relationship with payer and provider organizations to ensure quality of service and care is maintained.

National accreditation is regarded by stakeholders in the health care industry as a key benchmark in measuring quality

Joint Commission accredited organizations can also earn certification for programs devoted to chronic diseases and conditions. Chronic diseases are illnesses that can be controlled but not cured. Providers of health care staffing services can also earn Joint Commission certification.

Costs

The components of accreditation costs are on-site fees and annual fee. The on-site fee is a payment that occurs on a continuing basis during annual on-site visits (The Joint Commission, 2015). Joint Commission Accreditation renewal occurs every three years. The average renewal rate for small facilities is fourteen hundred fifty dollars. For large facilities the average fee rate is three thousand two hundred and forty dollars.

Hospitals that have magnet status recognition may find it easier to recruit quality nurses, which are especially important due to the current nursing shortage (Russell, 2010). Having a highly qualified nursing staff that is satisfied with its practice environment translates into better patient care and more satisfied patients (Smith, 2005). CMS gives preferred provider status to hospitals and health organizations that have Joint Commission accreditation.

Conclusion

National accreditation plays a major role in establishing credibility and accountability within health care facilities including: hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), clinics and ambulatory surgical centers. The purpose of accreditation is to make sure quality of care at health structures meets minimal standards as set by accrediting boards like the Joint Commission, The National Committee for Quality Assurance and, The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a national not-for-profit organization that accredits managed care organizations (MCOs). The most prominent MCOs are the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). Through a voluntary accreditation process NCQA’s goal is to improve quality of healthcare and, MCOs seeking accreditation are