Antimicrobial Stewardship Targeted in Proposed Joint Commission Standard

​A new proposed standard from the Joint Commission would require accredited organizations to adopt an antimicrobial stewardship program consistent with evidence-based national guidelines. Announced during the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Get Smart about Antibiotics Week (see the November 20, 2015, Issues in Continuing Care Risk Management), the standard calls for leadership commitment to antimicrobial stewardship; education of residents or patients, family, and staff; and establishment of a multidisciplinary team.