News and briefs: Joint Commission eliminates term ’disruptive behavior’

The Joint Commission (TJC) will no longer use the term “disruptive behavior” in its elements of performance (LD.03.01.01, EPs 4 and 5). The term was discussed with TJC’s Accreditation Committee and Board of Commissioners after physicians raised concerns about the ambiguity of the term.

“The phrase ‘disruptive behavior’ may be used in the context of a care environment that has become temporarily unsettled by the behavior of a patient,” states an article from Joint Commission Online.

The language will be replaced with “behavior or behaviors that undermine a culture of safety,” and will be included in an updated accreditation manual in spring of 2012.