The Joint Commission has laid off 55 administrative employees from its central office in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., according to a statement shared with Becker’s on May 7.
“As we at The Joint Commission execute against our strategic plan, we have identified the need to improve operational efficiency and invest in skills needed for the future,” the statement said. “In tandem, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the continued strength of our organization in an evolving environment. As a result, we have made some structural changes to improve our operational efficiency.”
The Joint Commission accredits 22,000 healthcare systems nationwide across more than 250 standards, including patients’ rights, infection control, medication management and prevention of medical errors.
Hospitals pay to maintain their accreditation, though they are not federally required to be accredited by the organization. Approximately 70% of U.S. hospitals are accredited by the commission.
“Given The Joint Commission’s mission and critical role in ensuring the quality and safety of the nation’s hospitals and health systems, these moves were made in order to proactively position the organization for a strong and resilient future,” the statement said.
