Joint Commission Changes Standards for Pediatric Care

​Joint Commission has published proposed requirements on distinct identification of newborns, as well as revised requirements for pediatric emergency equipment and supplies. The requirement for distinct identification is new and will be added as an element of performance to the National Patient Safety Goals. The requirement will apply only to hospitals and critical access hospitals that provide obstetric services. The requirement will strengthen organizations' identification methods for newborns in order to prevent errors, Joint Commission said. As part of the requirements, hospitals must use at least two patient identifiers when providing care, treatment, and services for newborns. Distinct naming systems must also be used for accurate patient identification.