The U.S. JCAHO Standards
- JCAHO serves as an accreditation program for health care facilities. The Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (CAMH) is one of the most widely used programs that hospitals use in order to achieve government specified standards for Hospitals for a Healthy Environment.
- Due to the numerous hazards, pharmaceuticals, safety concerns and infection wastes associated with hospitals, JCAHO has a large investment in pollution prevention. Each pollution prevention standard given through the JCAHO manual also outlines specific steps on how to follow each rule associated with each area covered by the regulations. Examples of these areas and activities include the elimination of mercury, integrated pest management, pharmaceutical management, patient safety, reducing infection waste and reducing hazardous chemical spills and exposure.
- A health care facility or organization must request an independent review of their performance and standards. Organizations that meet the requirements and highest standards for accreditation are awarded with the Gold Seal of Approval. Some of the programs covered include ambulatory care, behavioral health care, critical access hospitals, home care, laboratory services and office-based surgery.