Joint Commission

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that is the oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare in the United States. Founded in 1951, it accredits and certifies over 22,000 healthcare organizations and programs. The organization is governed by a 21-member Board of Commissioners and employs around 1,000 people, with offices in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. The Joint Commission provides key services including accreditation, standards setting, and consulting and education through its subsidiary, Joint Commission Resources. It awards the Gold Seal of Approval to organizations that meet its standards, symbolizing quality and safety in healthcare. The organization also integrates performance measurement into the accreditation process with its ORYX initiative and has policies in place to help healthcare organizations learn from adverse events. Additionally, The Joint Commission collaborates with various organizations to enhance healthcare quality and safety.