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Hospital oversight in Medicare: accreditation and deeming authority
1National Health Policy Forum, Washington, DC, USA.
NHPF Issue Brief
|May 20, 2005
Summary
Hospital accreditation is a pathway to Medicare certification, offering benefits to patients and influencing quality improvement. This brief examines the reasons behind hospital accreditation choices and its value to Medicare beneficiaries.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Administration
- Health Policy
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Hospitals require Medicare certification for payment eligibility.
- Certification can be achieved through state agencies or accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or American Osteopathic Association.
- Accreditation has evolved significantly over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the historical development and current trends in hospital accreditation.
- To analyze the legal and practical factors influencing hospitals' decisions to seek accreditation.
- To evaluate the value of hospital accreditation for Medicare beneficiaries and its role in quality improvement.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development of hospital accreditation.
- Analysis of legal and practical considerations for hospitals.
- Examination of the intersection of state/federal oversight and accrediting organizations.
Main Results:
- A majority of hospitals opt for accreditation due to specific legal and practical advantages.
- The value of accreditation for Medicare beneficiaries is a key consideration.
- Accrediting organizations play a role in hospital quality improvement initiatives.
Conclusions:
- Hospital accreditation is a significant factor in meeting Medicare requirements and influencing quality.
- Understanding the drivers and impacts of accreditation is crucial for healthcare policy.
- The interplay between accreditation, state, and federal oversight shapes hospital standards.