Some Major Health Care Accrediting Organizations Suspend Surveys Due to COVID-19

On March 16, 2020, the Joint Commission announced that it was suspending all regular surveying due to the COVID-19 national emergency, effective immediately. The Joint Commission noted that it may conduct a small number of surveys, such as in high-risk situations. Health facilities’ accreditations and Medicare payment status will be automatically extended if the organizations go past their accreditation due date. The Joint Commission did not provide an anticipated restart date for regular surveying, but stated that it will perform any postponed surveys once it resumes operations.

On March 19, 2020, DNV GL Healthcare, another accrediting agency with Medicare deeming status, announced that it is suspending its surveys indefinitely in light of COVID-19. DNV GL noted that this will not affect Medicare participation, and reminded hospitals that although surveys are suspended, they must stay continually compliant with accreditation requirements and the Medicare Conditions of Participation. Like the Joint Commission, DNV GL noted that it may perform onsite surveys in certain situations, including immediate jeopardy, abuse or neglect, or infection risks.