Joint Commission releases National Performance Goal briefs

Editor's Note

Joint Commission released 14 briefs designed to help accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals translate the accreditation organization’s National Performance Goals (NPGs), into actionable practices, according to a November 12 Joint Commission news story. Joint Commission’s NPG chapter for accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals will become effective on Jan. 1, 2026. This chapter will replace the current “National Patient Safety Goals” (NPSG) chapter. No new requirements have been introduced.

There are 14 briefs in total with one for each NPG and two for the Culture of Safety NPG. For example, in the brief for NPG1: Right Patient, Right Care, a background on the goal is presented. It discusses the history of The Universal Protocol for Safe Surgical Practices, as well as additions such as correct use of patient identifiers, hand-off communications, and timely critical test reporting requirements, and 2025 additions including the management of patient flow, monitoring changes in a patient’s condition, and the availability of resuscitation services in this suite of requirements. Related Joint Commission Standards are also outlined, along with discussion on the evidence-based rationale for the goal, as noted in the brief.

The NPGs are part of Joint Commission’s Accreditation 360. All NPG briefs are posted on Joint Commission’s website, per the news story.