The Joint Commission Announces Renewed Deeming Approval from CMS for ASCs

On July 31, the Joint Commission announced it has achieved renewed deeming approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its Ambulatory Surgical Center Accreditation Program, effective September 1, 2024, through September 1, 2030.

According to a press release on the announcement, six years is the maximum term of approval granted by CMS.

The press release adds, “In renewing The Joint Commission’s deeming approval, CMS determined that The Joint Commission’s standards and survey process meet or exceed those established by CMS. Accreditation is voluntary and seeking deemed status through accreditation is an option—not a requirement. Organizations seeking Medicare approval may choose to be surveyed either by an accrediting body, such as The Joint Commission, or by state surveyors on behalf of CMS.”

Further, “All deemed status surveys are unannounced. Any ambulatory surgical center deemed to meet the CMS requirements is subject to validation and complaint investigation surveys performed by CMS or its agent(s).”

“With renewed deeming approval from CMS, The Joint Commission can continue to help healthcare organizations across the nation provide the safest and highest quality ambulatory care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through participation in our Ambulatory Surgical Center Accreditation Program, organizations will receive a framework for enhancing their performance reliability and minimizing risks associated with ambulatory care.”