NAHQ +
Joint Commission.
The alliance that’s transforming healthcare
In November 2024, two leading organizations came together for a common purpose — improving healthcare Quality & Safety on a global scale. Through transformative ideas such as uniting to a universal set of Quality competencies, skilling and credentialling healthcare professionals, and co-developing best-in-class training and education, we have already made many advances and look forward to all we will achieve together in the years to come.
Watch the groundbreaking announcement.
Discover the game-changing benefits.
- Joint Commission endorses the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™
- 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 Joint Commission and JCI accreditation and certification approaches in healthcare organizations
Two CEOs. One shared vision.
Stephanie Mercado
CEO, NAHQ
Watch Video
Dr. Jonathan Perlin
President and CEO, Joint Commission
Watch Video
Learn more in the press release
Alliance news
Joint Commission and the National Association for Healthcare Quality take action to support U.S. safety net hospitals by awarding Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)® scholarships
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 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. 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 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 Joint Commission be endorsing other organizations in a similar manner?
Neither NAHQ nor 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 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's field staff 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 Joint Commission surveyors, reviewers and consultants. 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 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 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.
Joint Commission endorses the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework
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.
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, 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.
