JCAHO calls for field review of contracted services standards

The JCAHO announced on October 24, a field review of its contracted services standards in response to the growing "numbers and types of services that are being outsourced by accredited organizations," according to a JCAHO press release.

The proposed standard revisions include the addition of a new draft standard that addresses contracted services that are outside of the accredited organization's defined scope of services. Additional proposed revisions include the following:

• Adding an introduction that explains how the JCAHO evaluates contracted services
• Modifying standard LD.3.50 to make clear that it addresses only contracted services within the organization's defined scope of services
• Replacing EP7 in standard LD.3.50 with new EPs that would require organizations to actively monitor contacted services

The JCAHO is accepting comments on these proposed changes through November 22, according to the accreditor's press release.