You asked for information on recently announced Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) staffing standards for nurses in hospitals.

JCAHO is implementing nurse staffing standards as part of its accreditation process for healthcare organizations, including hospitals. These standards, which are based on patient outcomes, require the healthcare facilities to monitor a minimum of four indicators they choose. These must include two human resource indicators (e. g. overtime use) and two clinical or service indicators (e. g. patient complaints, patient falls). Initially, these new standards apply to hospitals, which must start tracking their chosen indicators by July 1 to maintain JCAHO accreditation. (Other healthcare organizations must start by January 1,2003. ) JCAHO has developed 21 indicators from which the hospitals must choose four. Previously, JCAHO's staffing standards relied on plans created by the hospitals themselves.

Under the new standards, hospitals must collect data from their chosen indicators and analyze it over time concerning staffing effectiveness. Hospitals must then take appropriate action to ensure proper staffing levels. JCAHO is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Hospitals may voluntarily seek JCAHO accreditation every three years.

JK: ro