Demonstrating excellence in home care through Joint Commission accreditation

Nurse administrators responsible for developing and managing home care delivery systems need to understand the eligibility criteria for accreditation, key components of the standards, survey, and accreditation decision process, and directions for the future including external recognition of accreditation and the use of an indicator monitoring system. The authors highlight the major components and benefits of the home care accreditation program of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, as well as how the nurse administrator may use accreditation as a valuable management tool.