The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that focuses on accrediting and certifying healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. Formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), it was founded in 1951 and has since become one of the most recognized accreditation bodies in the healthcare industry.
You might not realize that, in addition to hospitals and other medical facilities, healthcare staffing agencies can achieve JCAHO certification. Bluebird Staffing is proud to achieve this designation for our work in providing nursing, IT, and allied health professionals to the field. Here’s what you need to know about our JCAHO certification and how it makes our team uniquely qualified to represent your organization to healthcare professionals.
What Does It Mean For A Staffing Agency To Be Certified By The Joint Commission?
When a staffing agency is certified by the Joint Commission, it means they have undergone a rigorous evaluation process and has met the standards set by the Joint Commission for healthcare staffing services. The certification demonstrates the agency’s commitment to quality, safety, and compliance with industry best practices.
Here are some key aspects of what it means for a staffing agency to be certified by the Joint Commission:
- Compliance with standards: The certified staffing agency demonstrates JCAHO compliance with the specific standards established by the Joint Commission for healthcare staffing services. These standards cover various areas such as staff qualifications, background checks, health screenings, performance evaluations, client contracts, and ongoing monitoring.
- Commitment to quality and safety: By achieving certification, the staffing agency shows its dedication to providing high-quality healthcare staffing services. It signifies that the agency has implemented policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of both healthcare professionals and patients.
- Enhanced reputation and credibility: Joint Commission certification is widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry. It is a mark of distinction, indicating that the staffing agency has met stringent requirements and adheres to best practices. Being certified can enhance the agency’s reputation and credibility among clients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
- Competitive advantage: Certification can provide a competitive advantage for the staffing agency. Many healthcare organizations prioritize working with certified staffing agencies as it assures them of a certain level of quality and compliance. The certification may open new business opportunities and partnerships for the agency.
- Continuous improvement culture: JCAHO certification promotes a culture of continuous improvement within an agency. Certification requires ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adherence to the standards set by the Joint Commission. The agency must strive to maintain compliance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Periodic re-evaluation: Joint Commission certification is not a one-time achievement. The staffing agency is subject to periodic re-evaluation, typically every two to three years, to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards. This re-evaluation reinforces the agency’s commitment to maintaining quality and safety standards over time.
It’s important to note that Joint Commission certification specifically applies to healthcare staffing services provided by the agency. The certificate may not cover other aspects of the agency’s operations, such as non-healthcare staffing services or business management processes.
Joint Commission certification for a staffing agency signifies that the agency has met the highest standards for healthcare staffing services and is dedicated to providing quality, safe, and compliant staffing solutions to healthcare organizations.
How Can A Staffing Agency Receive Joint Commission Certification?
To receive Joint Commission certification, a staffing agency must follow a specific process and meet certain requirements. Here are the steps a staffing agency takes to pursue Joint Commission certification:
- Determine eligibility: A staffing agency must confirm that they meet the Joint Commission’s certification eligibility criteria. This criterion includes being legally authorized to operate as a business in the states where the organization provides staffing services.
- Review standards: The staffing agency must also familiarize itself with the Joint Commission’s standards for healthcare staffing services. These standards outline the requirements and expectations for staffing agencies, covering areas such as staff qualifications, orientation and training, performance evaluations, health screenings, background checks, client contracts, and ongoing monitoring.
- Conduct a self-assessment: The staffing company must also evaluate the agency’s current practices and processes against the Joint Commission’s standards. Identify any areas where you need improvements or changes to align with the certification requirements.
- Develop policies and procedures: Staffing agencies typically create or revise its policies and procedures to meet the Joint Commission’s standards. This process includes ensuring that all internal documents are comprehensive, well-documented, and implemented consistently throughout the organization. Documentation must include guidelines for staff qualification verification, background checks, performance evaluations, and other relevant areas.
- Implement quality improvement initiatives: JCAHO-certified staffing agencies must develop and implement quality improvement initiatives within their organization. These initiatives should focus on enhancing the quality and safety of your healthcare staffing services. For example, you might establish processes for gathering client feedback, conducting internal audits, or addressing staff performance issues.
- Train staff: Provide appropriate training to your staff members on the policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives you’ve implemented. Ensure all employees understand their roles and responsibilities in meeting the Joint Commission’s standards.
- Conduct a mock survey: Staffing agencies must also perform an internal mock survey to evaluate the agency’s readiness for the official Joint Commission survey. This process helps identify gaps or areas needing improvement before pursuing certification.
- Submit an application: Finally, once the organization feels confident that the staffing agency complies with the Joint Commission’s standards, submit an application for certification. The Joint Commission will review your application and, if approved, schedule an on-site survey.
- On-site survey: During the on-site survey, Joint Commission surveyors will assess the agency’s compliance with the standards. They will conduct interviews, review documentation, and observe processes to determine if your agency meets the certification requirements.
- Correct deficiencies: If there are any identified deficiencies found during the survey, you will receive a report detailing the findings. Address these deficiencies promptly and thoroughly to ensure compliance with the Joint Commission’s standards.
- Achieve certification: Once your agency successfully completes the on-site survey and resolves any identified deficiencies, you may receive Joint Commission certification. This certification demonstrates your agency’s commitment to quality and patient safety in healthcare staffing services.
Partner With Us Today
Bluebird Staffing is proud to have achieved the rigors of JCAHO certification. We’ve joined a small, elite pool of JCAHO-certified recruiting firms. If your organization is searching for highly qualified healthcare clinical and administrative healthcare professionals, please don’t hesitate to contact our firm. We can help you meet your hiring goals.
