The Joint Commission raises healthcare equity standard to NPSG

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission on January 10 announced that it had elevated the Leadership (LD) Standard LD.04.03.08, which addresses healthcare disparities as a quality and safety priority, to a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG), effective July 1, 2023.

Current requirements for accreditation will not change, and the intent behind the standard and elements of performance will remain the same. However, they will be stated as NPSG Goal 16. The purpose of NPSGs is to improve patient safety, focusing on significant problems in healthcare and actions to prevent and solve them.

“By elevating the existing standard to a National Patient Safety Goal, we are emphasizing the importance for healthcare organizations to ensure oversight and accountability for healthcare equity,” notes Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, MACP, FACMI, president and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission.

Following the implementation of NPSG Goal 16, Standard LD.04.03.08 will be deleted.