For purposes of JCI accreditation, standards that are organized according to what is done directly or indirectly to provide for a safe, effective, and well-managed organization and facility:

What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a process in which an entity, separate and distinct from the health care organization, usually nongovernmental, assesses the health care organization to determine if it meets a set of requirements (standards) designed to improve the safety and quality of care. Accreditation is usually voluntary. Accreditation standards are usually regarded as optimal and achievable. Accreditation provides a visible commitment by an organization to improve the safety and quality of patient care, to ensure a safe care environment, and to continually work to reduce risks to patients and staff. Accreditation has gained worldwide attention as an effective quality evaluation and management tool.

What are the benefits of accreditation?
The accreditation process is designed to create a culture of safety and quality within an organization that strives to continually improve patient care processes and results.
In doing so organizations:

- Improve public trust that the organization is concerned for patient safety and the quality of care.
- Provide a safe and efficient work environment that contributes to worker satisfaction.
- Negotiate with sources of payment for care with data on the quality of care.
- Listen to patients and their families, respect their rights, and involve them in the care process as partners.
- Create a culture that is open to learning from the timely reporting of adverse events and safety concerns.
- Establish collaborative leadership that sets priorities for and continuous leadership for quality and patient safety at all levels.

Note: Accreditation Participation Requirements (APR)
This section, new to this accreditation manual, consists of specific requirements for participation in the Joint Commission International accreditation process and for maintaining an accreditation award.