The Joint Commission has published a series of frequently asked questions to help organizations learn more about its Integrated Care Certification option. The questions include:
- Is this a mandatory certification?
- How long will the certification be valid?
- Does my organization have to be accredited to apply for the Integrated Care Certification?
- How long will the certification review last at my organization?
- Will the results of this certification affect my organization’s accreditation status?
- Will my organization know in advance when the review will take place?
- Who will conduct the reviews for Integrated Care Certification?
The Integrated Care Certification option is focused on helping health care organizations improve care coordination across the continuum of care, beginning with hospital and ambulatory care settings.
The Integrated Care Certification option assesses how well a health care organization integrates information sharing, transitions of care, hand-off communications and other key activities as a patient moves between the hospital and outpatient care settings. With a focus on leadership, clinical integration, patient and family engagement and other areas, this certification is the starting point for improving patient outcomes with better coordinated care.
In order to be eligible for the certification, at least one component of the health care system, such as the ambulatory care or hospital services, must be accredited by The Joint Commission. The certification period is for three years, and organizations are evaluated by reviewers who specialize in integrated care. This certification is separate from the accreditation process and does not affect the accreditation status of an organization.
HNX Healthcare Update 