Joint Commission Announces New Accreditation Standards Under Primary Care Model - June 1, 2011

On May 24, the Joint Commission announced plans to launch a new Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) option for accredited ambulatory care organizations, beginning July 2011. Currently, the Joint Commission is accepting applications for organizations that are prepared for the related survey. The PCMH option will be designated for care delivery systems in which patients are given a primary care clinician and an interdisciplinary team. Its emphasis is on team collaboration with patients, coordination of care, evidence-based practices, and education and patient self-management. The ultimate goals of the PCMH are to ensure timely and appropriate treatment, improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. The PCMH accreditation option is meant to complement the already-existing ambulatory care accreditation program and is designed to comply with initiatives under the Affordable Care Act aimed at improving health outcomes while cutting inefficient health care spending.