Joint Commission clarifies accreditation policy regarding physician reporting of quality/safety concerns

Physicians and medical staff who have concerns about the safety and quality of care at their hospital should report those concerns without fear of retaliatory disciplinary action, according to new rules announced by The Joint Commission. The revised requirement, which will become effective January 1, 2008, means that accredited hospitals must educate staff and medical staff that any employee or any physician who has concerns about the safety or quality of care provided in the hospital may report these concerns. Hospitals also are expected to provide information to the staff outlining that there will be no disciplinary action taken if such concerns are provided to the commission. Concerns may be forwarded to the Joint Commission Office of Quality Monitoring by phoning (800) 994-6610, or by sending an e-mail to complaint@jointcommission.org.