Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, March 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Joint Commission today announced the launch of its new outcomes\u2011driven certifications, a next\u2011generation approach to certification of hospitals and other healthcare organizations based on measurable clinical outcomes, rather than primarily on compliance with processes. The new approach represents a key component of Joint Commission\u2019s strategic transformation to advance healthcare quality through data, transparency, and continuous improvement, while prioritizing the results that matter most to patients and clinicians.<\/p>\n
The first two outcomes-driven certifications will focus on perinatal care and cardiac surgeries and procedures, two high\u2011priority clinical areas where improved outcomes can have a profound impact on patients, families, and communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cHealthcare is increasingly driven by data, and patients deserve care that is demonstrably better,\u201d said Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Joint Commission. \u201cOutcomes\u2011driven certification shifts the focus to real\u2011world results, patient safety, and continuous learning. These first two certifications mark an important step forward in aligning certification with outcomes that patients and clinicians care about most.\u201d<\/p>\n
A New Model for Certification<\/b><\/p>\n
Joint Commission\u2019s outcomes\u2011driven certifications build on its existing suite of certifications by integrating outcomes\u2011focused performance measurement, benchmarking, and learning collaboratives. Participating organizations are assessed using defined sets of quality measures and receive insights into how their performance compares with peers, supporting improvement, and shared learning across healthcare systems.<\/p>\n
Unlike traditional certification models that emphasize process compliance, outcomes\u2011driven certification is designed to:<\/p>\n
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- Recognize organizations that achieve consistently strong performance on outcomes measures<\/li>\n
- Support improvement through data\u2011driven insights and peer learning<\/li>\n
- Reduce administrative burden by leveraging existing, trusted data sources<\/li>\n
- Provide patients, purchasers, and payers with clearer signals of quality based on results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
First Certifications: Perinatal Care and Cardiac Surgeries and Procedures<\/b><\/p>\n
Outcomes\u2011Driven Certification in Perinatal Care will evaluate hospital performance across key areas related to maternal and newborn outcomes and patient care experiences. The perinatal certification reflects the urgent national need to improve outcomes for mothers and babies and accelerate progress through transparent, outcomes\u2011based measurement.<\/p>\n
Outcomes\u2011Driven Certification: Cardiac Surgeries and Procedures will assess hospitals based on clinical outcomes for a broad range of commonly performed, typically scheduled cardiac surgeries and procedures. The certification leverages established, trusted clinical registries and evaluates performance using surgery\u2011 and procedure\u2011specific outcome measures, readmissions, and patient experience data.<\/p>\n
For cardiac care, Joint Commission partnered with leading specialty societies<\/a>, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), enabling organizations to use data they already report to these nationally recognized registries. This approach strengthens data integrity while reducing reporting burden for healthcare organizations.<\/p>\n
Part of a Broader Strategic Transformation<\/b><\/p>\n
Next-generation data- and outcomes\u2011driven certifications are a key part of Joint Commission\u2019s broader efforts to modernize accreditation and certification by emphasizing data, transparency, and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n
Outcomes\u2011driven certification is voluntary and available exclusively to Joint Commission\u2011accredited hospitals. Existing certifications are not affected and will continue to be available.<\/p>\n
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About Joint Commission<\/b><\/p>\n
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