Joint Commission launches accreditation program for rural clinics

Rural health clinics seeking Medicare reimbursement can now do so via a new accreditation program from the Joint Commission (Source: “Joint Commission to accredit rural health clinics,” Healthcare Finance News, May 9).
 
The Joint Commission was granted authority by CMS this week for the Rural Health Clinic Accreditation Program. Available this summer, the program provides a framework to help rural health clinics standardize how care is delivered.
 
Rural health clinics that seek Medicare reimbursement have to be accredited by an accrediting organization. Rural health clinics eligible for the new accreditation program must meet all state and federal requirements, including location, staffing and healthcare-services requirements.