Reference no: EM133025626

Any working in healthcare has heard the words "Joint Commission."

It can result in a major panic among staff and management. It means that it is time for the review by this well-known accrediting body. Accreditation in healthcare means a process by which a professional agency grants recognition based upon a demonstrated ability to meet predetermined criteria for established standards (Accreditation, n.d.). When an organization is scheduled for one of these reviews, there is a scurry of activity to check and double-check that we are following the established standards. However, over the past few years, Joint Commission has come under fire for some of its practices and ability to objectively rate organizations. Many feel that it is no longer able to fairly assess organizations. In fact, some organizations are considering if it is necessary to seek or keep this seal of approval. According to one author, hospital leaders have kicked around the idea of foregoing Joint Commission accreditation for some time now but haven't take the step to actually do it (Should you tell, 1998). There are many factors to consider. After all, despite its issues, the Joint Commission does provide a valuable service through its inspections and standard.

Explore the benefit and alternatives of accrediting bodies. Your organization has decided to make the determination on whether or not to continue seeking Joint Commission accreditation. You have been tasked with providing information to management to help make this decision.

Explain how you are going handle it in executive summary that covers the following:

• What is Joint Commission?
• Reasons we should continue with this organization
• Reasons we should discontinue our association with the Commission
• Should we consider the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) survey instead?
• What would be the cost associated with switching to this alternative?
• Based on your research, what is your recommendation?