The Joint Commission set to spotlight hospitals’ strengths with new SAFEST initiative

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission will launch a new initiative in January 2026 to highlight high-performing practices observed during accreditation surveys, according to an October 1 release from the organization. Called Survey Analysis For Evaluating STrengths (SAFEST), the program aims to provide more balanced feedback to accredited organizations while building a library of quality and safety strategies drawn from peers’ success stories.

Under the SAFEST model, surveyors will document strengths during triennial accreditation surveys and include them in organization-specific reports. A central office review team may then contact the organization to gather additional details, which could be developed into resources for broader sharing. Participation in resource development will be voluntary, and organizations will have the opportunity to review and approve their materials before release.

The resulting catalog of best practices will be hosted on Joint Commission Connect, where users can search by accreditation requirements, organizational type, and size. The initiative is designed to shift survey feedback from being primarily problem-focused to also recognizing effective, scalable solutions.

Initially, SAFEST will apply to hospitals and critical access hospitals, with plans to expand into other care settings within 2 years. The Joint Commission describes the program as a key component of Accreditation 360: The New Standard, positioning it as both a recognition mechanism and a tool for continuous learning across its accredited community.