FAQs
What is needed for the cleaning and disinfection components of the updated standards?
Please contact the Joint Commission for specific questions and applications.
How do the updated Joint Commission Standards align with the 2024 CDC/HICPAC Guideline to Prevent Transmission of Pathogens in Health Care Settings?
The Joint Commission Standards were informed by a variety of sources and designed to align with CDC guidance. Please confer with your hospital infection prevention team and compare the new […]
To which facilities do the new standards apply?
The IC standards will be applicable to acute care and critical access hospitals on July 1st but, in the future, these standards will be applicable to all organizations accredited by […]
Is the Infection Control (IC) plan still required?
The Infection Control plan requirements were eliminated; however, organizations are encouraged to continue the use of their IC plan. IC plans can be a great way to centralize your institution’s […]
What has changed with the revised standards?
Below is a high-level overview of the four new standards. Please refer to the webinar slides and recording for additional information and/or contact The Joint Commission with questions regarding specific […]
What will the new Infection Control chapter look like?
The new infection control standards will now be condensed and reorganized. Currently, the structure of the infection control chapter of accreditation standards for hospitals includes 12 standards and 51 elements […]
Where did the updated Joint Commission Standards for Infection Control come from? Who was involved in the process of developing the new standards?
The new standards were informed by a variety of sources including, the Hierarchy of Control, Law and Regulation, and CoPs as all primary sources. The Joint Commission engaged a panel […]
How long will facilities have to implement the new requirements before they face consequences for reaccreditation?
Please contact the Joint Commission for specific questions and applications.
When do the new standards go into effect?
The Joint Commission infection control requirements for hospitals and critical access hospitals. The revised standards are currently in pre-publication and will become effective on July 1, 2024.
Are there any developments in rapid testing underway?
There is research being done into point of care tests for children with primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) that may cause them to not be able to mount an immune response […]