AARC Voices Opposition to Joint Commission Revision

March 27, 2008

AARC is opposing a revision in Joint Commission Standard/EP: NR.01.01.01.EP2 that would eliminate flexibility in a hospital’s organization and would create a requirement for respiratory care to fall under the coordination of a nurse executive.

As the revision reads, if adopted, ancillary services such as pharmacy, physical therapy and respiratory therapy will be required to provide service under the coordination of the nurse executive.

In a letter to the Joint Commission, the AARC says, “It makes no sense for the Joint Commission to virtually micromanage the tables of organization for hospitals” and questions the intent of the suggested change.

The letter outlined other reasons why the AARC is opposed to this revision, including our profession’s licensing to work under physician direction and the unintended consequences that may arise in reimbursement related to ancillary versus nursing services.

You can read the AARC’s letter. Many AARC members have weighed in with their opposition to the Joint Commission as well, who was seeking input on this revision by March 28.