Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Which agency is responsible for hospital accreditation?

1. CDC

2. ACGME

3. JC

4. CMS

The correct answer is: JC

The Joint Commission (JC) is the agency responsible for hospital accreditation. It sets the standards for quality and safety in healthcare facilities and conducts assessments to ensure that hospitals meet these standards. Accreditation by the Joint Commission is essential as it indicates that a hospital adheres to high-quality healthcare practices and can enhance the institution's reputation. Furthermore, many insurance companies and federal programs require Joint Commission accreditation as a condition for reimbursement for services provided within the hospital setting. The roles of the other agencies do not typically encompass hospital accreditation in the same comprehensive manner. The CDC focuses on public health and disease control, ACGME oversees medical education programs for physicians, and CMS administers the nation’s major healthcare programs but does not directly conduct accreditation evaluations. Thus, the Joint Commission is the primary authority in ensuring that hospitals maintain essential quality standards through its accreditation process.