JCAHO seeks comment on "oversight" standards

The JCAHO is seeking comment on proposed revision to its standards that address "oversight of individuals who function under the supervision of licensed independent practitioners," according to a December 1 press release. The proposed revisions would require organizations to implement a process to determine the competence of such providers.

The revisions would apply to critical access hospitals, hospitals, and long-term care and behavior healthcare facilities.

According to the press release, the proposed changes attempt to address the "increasingly common practice, in a variety of clinical settings for a licensed independent practitioner to bring his or her own employee, or someone for whom he or she has clinical responsibility, into a [healthcare] organization to assist in the care of patients."  

To complete the field review questions, go to www.jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/field_reviews.htm before January 5, 2005.