Joint Commission Proposes Changes to Medication Management Standard

The Joint Commission (TJC) is proposing the addition of new and revised requirements for hospital, critical access hospital, ambulatory care, home care, behavioral healthcare, and nursing care center accreditation programs.

The standards change defines the minimum required elements of a complete medication order to include the medication name, medication dose, medication route, and medication frequency. TJC is also adding requirements that define the required elements of a medication titration order.

These new requirements will apply to hospitals, critical access hospitals, ambulatory healthcare organizations, home health organizations, and nursing care centers whose policies deem titration orders acceptable for use. The TJC’s requirements reflect accepted standards of practice based on guidelines or recommendations issued by nationally recognized organizations with expertise in medication management.

The revised standard, which is now open for public comment, delineates only the minimal elements that must be included in medication orders. We support these elements as appropriate and essential for clear communication among healthcare professionals. 

Specific aspects of the revised standard that may impact bedside practice can be challenging and merit your evaluation and input to ensure that they inform and support safe patient care.