The Joint Commission secures renewed deeming approval for ASCs

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission announced on July 31 it has secured renewed deeming approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Accreditation Program. This renewed approval is effective from September 1, 2024, through September 1, 2030, the maximum term allowed by CMS.

The renewal signifies The Joint Commission’s standards and survey process meet or exceed CMS requirements. While accreditation through The Joint Commission is voluntary, it provides a pathway for ASCs to achieve deemed status necessary for participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. ASCs can choose to be surveyed by an accrediting body like The Joint Commission or by state surveyors on behalf of CMS.

Deemed status surveys are conducted without prior notice, and any ASC that meets CMS standards may be subject to additional validation and compliance investigation surveys by CMS or its agents.

Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer at The Joint Commission, highlighted the renewed approval allows The Joint Commission to continue supporting healthcare organizations in delivering safe and high-quality outpatient surgical care. The Accreditation Program offers a framework for improving performance reliability and minimizing risks in ASC settings.