Which statement about the Joint Commission is accurate?

• A. It accredits healthcare organizations and programs focusing on patient safety and quality of care.
• B. It only certifies hospitals.
• C. It is a state regulatory board.
• D. It invests in community therapy programs.

Answer: (A)

The Joint Commission is a private nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs to promote patient safety and quality of care. It uses on-site surveys and standards to verify that organizations meet high performance criteria, and accreditation is recognized by CMS as a basis for participating in Medicare and Medicaid. Its scope includes a wide range of settings, not just hospitals, such as ambulatory care, behavioral health, home care, and other programs. It is not a state regulatory board—licensing and regulation are typically handled by state agencies—and it does not invest funds in community therapy programs.