Joint Commission standards for long-term care infection control: Putting together the process elements,

Infection control in long-term care is being recognized more and more as the essential entity it has always been. As a surveyor for the long-term care program of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, I have noted that some confusion exists in the field as to what aspects of an infection control program are to be surveyed at specific standards. The standards are designed to allow flexibility to ensure that infection control programs meet the specific needs of the resident population and that these programs can continue to evolve. This article attempts to provide some clarity for the infection control professionals who are preparing for Joint Commission survey.