The Joint Commission revising CAH EPs to better align with CMS

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission, on July 12, announced that it is making several changes to its critical access hospital (CAH) elements of performance (EPs) to better align with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation, effective August 27, 2023.

The changes are part of CMS’ review of The Joint Commission’s CAH deeming renewal application, and include:

• New EPs addressing CMS definitions of rural health network and personnel qualifications.
• New EPs to address expectations for compliance with Life Safety Code: NFPA 101-2012 and Health Care Facilities Code: NFPA 99-2012.
• Revisions to the Environment of Care chapter to remove references to alternative equipment maintenance programs and manufacturer’s recommendations from equipment maintenance requirements.