What organization develop standards and accredit hospitals and healthcare facilities?

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), now known simply as The Joint Commission, is recognized for developing standards that are used to accredit hospitals and healthcare facilities. It plays a significant role in ensuring that healthcare organizations meet specific performance standards that enhance patient safety and quality of care. The Joint Commission conducts rigorous assessments and evaluations against these standards, providing accreditation to those organizations that meet the required criteria. This accreditation is often essential for healthcare organizations to receive federal funding and reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, thus promoting adherence to established care standards across the healthcare system.

Other organizations listed may have important roles in the healthcare sector but do not specifically focus on the accreditation of healthcare facilities in the same way. The National Health Service (NHS) operates primarily within the United Kingdom's healthcare system. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates and administers federal healthcare programs but does not directly accredit healthcare facilities. The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional association for physicians that advocates for the interests of medical professionals but does not conduct facility accreditation. Therefore, the Joint Commission's focus on developing and enforcing standards specific to accreditation sets it apart in this context.