2001 Resolution - 007

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SUBJECT: JCAHO's Role in Improving Patient Care
Introduced by: UAN Executive Council
Date of Resolution: May 24, 2001
Action: Resolution adopted on June 27, 2001

WHEREAS, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) wields considerable economic and regulatory influence, and

WHEREAS, JCAHO's role in approval of hospital and nursing home standards is directly related to their ability to receive state and federal reimbursement, and

WHEREAS, registered nurses are the backbone of the U.S. health care system and are the best investment for improving quality in health care,

WHEREAS, the development and enforcement of standards by JCAHO directly affects the workplace of registered nurses, and

WHEREAS, working conditions are deteriorating including, but not limited to, staffing, the ability to provide safe patient care, and health and safety,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the United American Nurses educate its members and the public about the structure of JCAHO and the role JCAHO plays in setting patient care and workplace standards, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United American Nurses bring pressure to bear on JCAHO to expeditiously and aggressively fulfill its oversight responsibilities to improve the patient care and workplace environment, especially in regard to the threats posed by unsafe and inadequate staffing.