Accreditation 360: A Transformative Approach

On June 30, 2025, The Joint Commission officially launched Accreditation 360: The New Standard which is a comprehensive redesign of its accreditation model for healthcare organizations, first rolling out to hospitals and critical access hospitals and then to other accreditation programs.

Key features of Accreditation 360:

• A streamlined accreditation manual that clearly separates CMS Conditions of Participation (CoPs) from Joint Commission’s National Performance Goals (NPGs). 

• Removal of hundreds of outdated or duplicative requirements.

• A continuous engagement model to support ongoing readiness and quality improvement, rather than periodic intense surveys.

• Public posting of standards online and will be searchable by all, starting in July 2025.

• Introduction of outcome‑based certification in key clinical areas via the National Quality Forum (NQF): maternity, cardiovascular, spine, and hip & knee procedural care.

Nursing Care Centers and Assisted Living Communities

While a specific rollout schedule has not been announced for nursing care centers, the schedule is anticipated in post-2026. The rollout schedule for assisted living communities in anticipated in late 2026 or 2027. The Accreditation 360 framework will result in simplified standards, NPG alignment structure used nationwide, outcome-focused performance measurement, a continuous engagement model, and access to best-practice sharing platforms.

There will be new training, support tools and updates to survey guidance as TJC publishes timelines and resources. Accreditation 360 will represent a major modernization of the Joint Commission’s accreditation model.