NAHQ +
The Joint Commission form alliance to transform healthcare
Two leading organizations share one bold vision that healthcare Quality & Safety can be improved on a global scale through transformative ideas such as uniting to a universal set of Quality competencies, skilling and credentialing healthcare professionals, and co-developing best-in-class training and education. Here’s how we will do it.
Watch the groundbreaking announcement.
Discover the game-changing benefits.
Hear about the alliance from visionary leaders Stephanie Mercado, CEO of NAHQ, and Dr. Jonathan Perlin, President and CEO of The Joint Commission
- The Joint Commission endorses the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™
- The Joint Commission endorses the CPHQ®, requires surveyors to attain CPHQs and joins with NAHQ to create 25 CPHQ scholarships
- Co-creation of best-in-class education, including a new micro-credential in Regulatory & Accreditation
- NAHQ endorses The Joint Commission and JCI accreditation and certification approaches in healthcare organizations
Two CEOs. One shared vision.
Stephanie Mercado
CEO, NAHQ
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Dr. Jonathan Perlin
President and CEO, The Joint Commission
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Learn more in the press release
Alliance news
NAHQ to join healthcare leaders at Inaugural UNIFY 2025: Convening for Quality to Advance Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
Joint Commission, NAHQ join forces on quality training, education
Joint Commission, NAHQ partner to advance quality competencies
Joint Commission and NAHQ partner on quality training, education
Frequently asked questions
Is this a merger?
No. It is a mutually beneficial strategic alliance. The organizations will remain completely independent. However, to further collaboration between the organizations and establish a long-term relationship, Dr. Perlin will join NAHQ’s Board of Directors and Ms. Mercado will join Joint Commission Resources’ (JCR) Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025.
Why is The Joint Commission and NAHQ choosing to engage in this strategic alliance together vs. with other organizations?
Both parties agree this is an optimal alliance to fuel our common purposes. The Joint Commission is seeking to further advance its mission of inspiring healthcare organizations to excel in providing safe and effective care. NAHQ is the perfect partner to help The Joint Commission do that by bolstering the competencies of healthcare quality professionals.
Our shared missions to improve healthcare Quality, safety and equity for all create a powerful synergy enabling and affirming the highest standards of healthcare delivery. The alliance creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
Will NAHQ or The Joint Commission be endorsing other organizations in a similar manner?
Neither NAHQ nor The Joint Commission will be endorsing other organizations in this exact way, but neither party is precluded from collaborating with other organizations in other ways.
When does the alliance go into effect?
This alliance goes into effect immediately.
How long will the alliance be in effect?
This alliance is intended to continue in perpetuity, assuming our common goals continue to be met.
Will The Joint Commission’s endorsement of the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™ and CPHQ® become an additional standard/requirement for accreditation?
No.
What is the timing for when Joint Commission teams will be required to earn their CPHQ?
Both parties recognize the extent of the task of certifying a large group of active professionals, such as The Joint Commission surveyors, reviewers and consultants. The Joint Commission will create a phased approach and timeline for the training consistent with advancing the goals of the alliance.
Will those working with accrediting organizations other than The Joint Commission be prevented from doing work with NAHQ?
No. NAHQ works with many healthcare organizations, some of which are currently accredited by other organizations.
Will The Joint Commission and NAHQ engage in data sharing?
No organization-specific data will be shared with either party. However, aggregated data and trends ascertained by each organization may be shared to inform macro issues and opportunities.
The Joint Commission endorses the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework
The Joint Commission encourages healthcare organizations to adopt this Framework, which defines the full spectrum of work required for a high-functioning Quality program, and also encourages organizations to implement the Framework through NAHQ’s Workforce Accelerator program.
The Joint Commission endorses NAHQ’s CPHQ® certification.
Recognizing that the CPHQ is the only accredited certification for healthcare Quality and that more and more organizations require their Quality teams to be CPHQs, The Joint Commission will also require their surveyors and reviewers obtain and maintain this valuable certification.
Taking Quality & Safety to Higher Ground
Watch the NAHQ next 2024 session where Dr. Perlin and Stephanie Mercado discuss their shared vision to build workforce competency, reduce variability and advance healthcare.
