Taking Action: Strategies to Advance Health Equity

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes or are the roots of health concerns for some groups, based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality analyzes and publishes an annual disparities report on the quality of American healthcare and common disparities experienced by certain groups.

To address these disparities, the Joint Commission has included new and revised requirements for accredited hospitals, and behavioral health and ambulatory care organizations, effective as of January 1, 2023.

Healthcare organizations may use the following strategies to identify and address disparities their patients may face. Those required by the Joint Commission...