Joint Commission International accreditation: a laboratory perspective

Abstract

Joint Commission International accreditation (JCIA) offers the international community a standards-based, objective process for evaluating healthcare organizations. The eleven JCIA standards are functionally organized. The standards are grouped by functions related to the provision of patient care and functions covering the provision of a safe, effective, and well-managed organization. The focus of the JCIA survey process is on the whole organization rather than on individual departments/services. The survey is carried out by trained and experienced healthcare peers. Healthcare organizations worldwide should be encouraged to seek accreditation such as that offered by JCIA. Where affordable, laboratories that are part of larger healthcare organizations should strive to achieve independent laboratory accreditation. The perspective of a laboratory undergoing a JCIA survey is briefly presented.