What is the primary accreditation organization for health care facilities?

• A. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• B. The Joint Commission
• C. American College of Surgeons
• D. National Quality Forum

Answer: (B)

Accreditation is an external evaluation that confirms a health care facility meets established safety and quality standards. The Joint Commission serves as the main national accrediting organization in the United States, conducting rigorous surveys of hospitals and many other facilities and awarding accreditation when standards are met. This status is widely recognized, and CMS often accepts Joint Commission accreditation as evidence of compliance with federal requirements for Medicare and Medicaid participation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency that administers programs and sets participation rules; the American College of Surgeons is a professional society, and the National Quality Forum focuses on quality measures rather than accrediting facilities.