The Joint Commission’s Nurse Staffing National Performance Goal: Implications for Stroke Centers

Abstract

The Joint Commission (TJC) has historically supplemented its hospital accreditation standards with a set of “super standards” focused on patient safety—formerly known as the National Patient Safety Goals and now titled the National Performance Goals™ (NPGs). The recently added a goal addressing nurse staffing as a patient safety function has drawn significant national attention. Given potential uncertainty regarding how this new goal may influence stroke center certification, this article clarifies the distinction between accreditation and certification standards and offers guidance for stroke program leaders in interpreting and responding to this development. Because TJC evaluates compliance with NPGs during certification surveys, TJC certified programs should expect greater focus on staffing adequacy in future reviews. Additionally, Det Norske VeritasHealthcare (DNV) and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC, formerly HFAP) incorporates similar standards within its hospital accreditation framework and/or Conditions of Participation (CoPs). Understanding these standards position stroke programs across accrediting bodies to proactively align staffing strategies with national safety priorities.