The Joint Commission standards that impact imaging departments

*Patient safety is a priority. The new Joint Commission accreditation process is both a challenge and an opportunity. To overcome the challenge and take advantage of the opportunity, understanding the National Patient Safety Goals and the standards is critical. *Medication management causes many deficiencies and is a difficult standard. The issue that has been the most difficult has been review of orders prior to the administration of medications, including contrast media, by qualified individuals. *Staff understanding of the standards is critical to success.