The Joint Commission has released its report on the top five most challenging requirements for 2018. These are requirements identified most frequently as "not compliant" during surveys and reviews from Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2018.

Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise to Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS) that infection control standards hold one or more spots for several of the accreditation organization's programs.

Ambulatory Care Accreditation

For the ambulatory care accreditation program, infection control standards were the most challenging and fourth most challenging. IC.02.02.01 (The organization reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies.) took the top spot with more than 60% non-compliance. Coming in fourth was IC.02.01.01 (The organization implements infection prevention and control activities.) at nearly 46%.

Office-Based Surgery Practice Accreditation

Office-based surgery practices had similar results. IC.02.02.01 (The practice reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies.) occupied the top spot with about 64% non-compliance. In fourth was IC.02.01.01 (The practice implements infection prevention and control activities.) at about 29%.

Hospital Accreditation

For the hospital accreditation program, IC.02.02.01 (The hospital reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies.) took the fifth spot at nearly 71%.

Home Care Accreditation

For home care organizations, IC.02.01.01 (The organization implements the infection prevention and control activities it has planned.) was the second most challenging standard with more than 40% non-compliance.

Nursing Care Center Accreditation

Infection control standards occupy two spots on the nursing care center program's list. Coming in second was IC.02.01.01 (The organization implements its infection prevention and control plan.) with about 39% non-compliance while IC.02.02.01 (The organization reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies.) occupies the fifth spot with about 29% non-compliance.

Commentary from the Field

These results are consistent with observations made by ICCS consultants during on-site visits in 2018. ICCS serves facility types including ambulatory care, behavioral health, critical access hospitals, acute care hospitals and office-based surgery practices. ICCS services include assisting organizations with survey preparation and complying with infection control requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission, AAAHC, HFAP, DNV and AAAASF.