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Take Advantage of Prepublication Standards

Joint Commission standards are developed through a continuing process of collecting information, preparing drafts and revising them with input from expert reviewers. Even after a standard is in effect, we seek ongoing feedback to ensure continuous improvement. Prepublication standards are used to communicate upcoming changes to our standards and Elements of Performance (EPs). The reports are posted to this page before being published in E-Dition® and the comprehensive manuals.

This advanced notice gives you more time to evaluate your compliance with the changed standards and EPs — and if necessary, to make changes before they become effective. View current prepublication standards below.

If you have a question regarding the prepublication standards, please submit your question through the Standards Online Submission Form.

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    Critical Access Hospital and Hospital Requirements Streamlined to Reduce Burden

    As part of continued efforts to improve the accreditation process, The Joint Commission has revised its critical access hospital and hospital standards and elements of performance (EPs) to reduce burden on accredited organizations These revisions provide a streamlined approach that more directly identifies the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation (CoPs). Consequently, the updates also differentiate which Joint Commission requirements rise above the regulatory requirements. While these revisions, intended to provide greater clarity for organizations seeking accreditation and effective January 1, 2026, are substantial, no new concepts have been introduced.
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    Revisions to Rural Health Clinic Requirements to Align with CMS CfCs

    CMS released updates to the RHC Conditions for Certification (CfCs) and the changes included a new CfC addressing provision of primary care services and updates to basic laboratory services requirements. The regulation updates were effective January 1, 2025. The Joint Commission has created one new element of performance (EP) and revised one EP in response to these changes. The revisions are effective immediately but will publish with the January 1, 2026, standards release.
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    Approved: Revision to Accreditation Participation Requirement, Certification Participation Requirement, and Verification Participation Requirement

    Effective July 1, 2025, The Joint Commission has revised APR.01.03.01, EP 1 for all accreditation programs; CPR.02, EP 1 for all certification programs; and VPR.02, EP 1 for the Maternal Levels of Care verification program.
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    Approved: New Requirements for Opioid Treatment Programs

    The Joint Commission has approved new and revised requirements for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) accredited under The Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health and Human Services accreditation program. The revisions are in response to a final rule released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) regarding medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) that published in the Federal Register on February 2, 2024.
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    Infection Prevention and Control (IC) Chapter Fully Revised for the Laboratory Accreditation Program

    Effective July 1, 2025, a fully revised “Infection Prevention and Control” (IC) chapter, including new and revised requirements, has been approved for all Joint Commission–accredited Laboratories. The requirements in the revised chapter will replace the current IC requirements. This project is a continuation of the IC chapter rewrite that began with critical access hospitals and hospitals.
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    New and Revised Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements for AHC and LAB

    The Joint Commission has approved new and revised workplace violence prevention requirements for all Joint Commission–accredited ambulatory health care organizations and laboratories. These requirements will be effective July 1, 2025.
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