Joint Commission updates standards for hip, knee replacement certification

The Joint Commission updated elements of performance requirements for hospitals, critical access hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers participating in the Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification program. The standards, which will go into effect July 1, 2020, include 11 new and 11 revised elements of performance. Among the changes, the standards require providers to use transfer protocols with standardized handoffs to support continuity of care, take action to optimize patient health prior to surgery and follow current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines. A complete list of the changes is available on the Joint Commission’s R3 Report. (Joint Commission Online story, 1/29/20)