Joint Commission revises sentinel event definition, policy

The Joint Commission’s Office of Quality and Patient Safety revised its definition of a sentinel event to clarify the differences between severe harm (which may or may not be permanent) and permanent harm (regardless of severity). Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, revisions to the sentinel event policy will apply to all Joint Commission accreditation and certification programs, except for the Health Care Staffing Services and Integrated Care certification programs. (Joint Commission Online article, 7/21/21)