By Healthcare Facilities Today

The Joint Commission has identified the five most challenging ambulatory care accreditation standards in the first half of 2013.

According to the Joint Commission statement, five standards that were most frequently found not compliant for facilities in the ambulatory care program in the first half of the year. The first four made the 2012 as well. 

1. The organization grants initial, renewed or revised clinical privileges to individuals who are permitted by law and the organization to practice independently — 50 percent .

2. The organization safely stores medications — 38 percent .

3. The organization reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, 

devices and supplies — 37 percent.

4. The organization identifies risks for acquiring and transmitting infections — 28 percent .

5. The organization safely manages high-alert and hazardous medications  — 23 percent

Read the full report here.