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Inside scoop from our experts: Similarities between nursing excellence and Joint Commission designation

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, December 22, 2009

This week, a reader asks about the similarities between the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® (MRP) and The Joint Commission. Read the response from advisor Gina Boring, BSN, RN, NE-BC, in Canton, OH.

Q: Are there any similarities between MRP designation and The Joint Commission?

A: The Joint Commission acknowledges the value of MRP designation in resolving the nursing crisis and ensuring high standards for patient safety and quality of care. The good news for organizations is that preparing for, achieving, and sustaining MRP status is extremely beneficial when it comes to preparing for The Joint Commission. The MRP and The Joint Commission are complementary in many ways:

• Organization pays a fee to apply for Joint Commission accreditation and MRP designation
• Both the Joint Commission and the MRP involve two- to three-day site surveys or visits
• Appraisers from both organizations focus their discussions on employees providing direct care
• Organizations must demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards
• They are interested in best practices, benchmarking quality data, nurse staffing ratios, and environment of care
• They review policies and procedures in terms of being evidence-based, current, and relevant to practice
• Professional development is valued; employee files may be reviewed during site visits
• Ongoing surveys are required to maintain accreditation
• Either agency's decision can be revoked if the organization fails to maintain standards
• Consumers can report issues of concern, which will be investigated during the site visit

Editor's note: Do you have a question for our experts? If you would like us to consider your query for publication, please e-mail it to senior managing editor Rebecca Hendren at rhendren@hcpro.com.

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