to main content Critical Access Hospital Accreditation | The Joint Commission

Learn the Basics

Learn more about the critical access hospital accreditation program on topics like eligibility, accreditation options, process, and pricing.

Why Choose Us

Learn how The Joint Commission can help your organization achieve your organization’s quality and safety goals.

Eligibility Criteria

See what types of organizations we accredit and the requirements that need to be met in order to seek accreditation.

Process

Get a sense of the process from start to finish, including preparation, the survey, and what comes after.

Pricing

Learn more about fees and pricing for your organization to pursue Joint Commission accreditation.

Our Standards

Organizations must meet our accreditation standards to be awarded The Gold Seal of Approval®.

Program Options

Explore the various accreditation and certification options available to your organization.

Application Process

Learn about the process for starting your accreditation application and next steps.

Survey Preparation Tools & Support

Learn how to prepare for Joint Commission critical access hospital accreditation. Browse supporting resources on topics like timelines, checklists, sample survey agendas, and more.

Preparation Milestones

Get a sense of how to prepare for your accreditation survey and the expected timeline for each step in the process.

Supporting Resources

Browse tools and services to help you get ready, including technical resources, educational offerings, and more.

Snapshot of Survey Day

Learn what to expect on the day of your survey and what resources can help you prepare, including your survey activity guide.

Mobile Notification of Onsite Survey

Learn about the mobile-friendly version of the Notification of Scheduled Events — including notice of the onsite survey — accessible via smart phone.

What Happens After the Survey

See what comes next when your survey is complete, including RFIs, the SAFER™ Matrix, and receiving the final accreditation decision.

Excel Beyond Accreditation

Accreditation is important, but it’s not the end goal. Learn how to promote this major accomplishment and implement processes to sustain accreditation. We provide high-reliability tools, solutions, and services to help you continue your zero-harm journey beyond accreditation.

Supporting Resources

Browse tools and resources to help you stay in compliance so you’re ahead of the curve in time for your next survey.

Publicity Resources

Now that you’ve earned The Gold Seal of Approval®, it’s time to spread the good news and share your achievement.

Share Your Achievement

Learn how to showcase your accomplishments while helping others obtain their accreditation.

Certification Options

Review additional certification opportunities to expand on your accreditation award.

Improvement Resources

Browse available tools and materials to help you enhance your patient safety processes.

Critical Access Hospital Accreditation

Whether you're new to The Joint Commission, or you are looking for guidance before or after your survey, we’re here to help.

Select from the options below to learn more about the basics of accreditation, like eligibility and pricing, survey preparation materials, or access other useful resources to help your organization sustain accreditation status and provide consistently excellent care.