What's the news. On May 27, 2020, Joint Commission announced that it will resume some survey and review activities in June, with changes in place to ensure patient safety. Joint Commission says it will take precautions to ensure physical distancing occurs, such as limiting the number of individuals in group sessions, minimizing the number of individuals who may accompany a surveyor, using masks and personal protective equipment (which Joint Commission says organizations should provide), and maximizing the use of technology so that people will not need to sit next to each other for extended periods.

Why it matters. Joint Commission says its surveyors "will focus on a thorough assessment but will not retroactively review compliance." Implementation of an organization's emergency action plan will not be the focus of surveys, Joint Commission adds, adding that it will work with organizations to understand how they have adapted to the pandemic and review current practices to ensure safe care in a safe environment is being provided.

How ECRI can help. ECRI continually updates its COVID-19 Resource Center to help healthcare and aging services organizations protect healthcare workers, residents, and patients.