The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission is a private non-profit healthcare accreditation and certification body that evaluates roughly 15,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and over 24,000 globally, serving as the de facto credentialing standard for Medicare participation and operating subsidiaries JCR and JCI.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1951
- HeadquartersOak Brook, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Joint Commission does
The Joint Commission is a private, non-profit healthcare accreditation and certification organization headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Founded in 1951 as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and renamed in 2007, it accredits and certifies approximately 15,000 healthcare organizations in the United States and serves more than 24,000 organizations globally through its wholly-owned subsidiary Joint Commission International (JCI). The organization is led by President and CEO Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, and operates additional subsidiaries including Joint Commission Resources (JCR) for advisory, education, and publications.
The Joint Commission generates revenue through multiple streams: annual and subscription accreditation fees, certification fees, products and services (software, publications, education, advisory), and verification services. Pricing is structured around facility size and service scope, with fees typically tied to average daily census and bed count. The customer base spans hospitals, ambulatory care, behavioral health, home care, nursing facilities, and telehealth providers. The technology platform includes an Advanced Data Analytics Platform leveraging AI/ML for survey consistency and predictive analytics, the SAFER Matrix for risk stratification, and the Tracer Methodology for on-site evaluation.
The Joint Commission holds a unique position in U.S. healthcare because its accreditation is accepted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and most state agencies as a condition of Medicare/Medicaid participation and licensure. The organization has been expanding its scope through new product launches including Accreditation 360 (2025) and Outcomes-Driven Certification with the National Quality Forum (2025), while pursuing new partnerships with groups such as the Alzheimer's Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
The Joint Commission firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Joint Commission
- Legal name
- Joint Commission
- Website
- https://jointcommission.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1951
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The Joint Commission is a private non-profit healthcare accreditation and certification body that evaluates roughly 15,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and over 24,000 globally, serving as the de facto credentialing standard for Medicare participation and operating subsidiaries JCR and JCI.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Joint Commission industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Healthcare Accreditation Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accreditation Standards, Benchmarking & Framework Organizations (EDADACAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF), International/Transnational Accreditation & Recognition Bodies (EDADACAG), Accreditation Coordination, Recognition & Meta-Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAH), Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC)
Keywords
Where The Joint Commission is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oak Brook
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Joint Commission business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel
Revenue model
- Accreditation Fees: Accreditation fees calculated based on services provided and average daily census. Two components: annual fees invoiced each year during accreditation cycle, and on-site survey fees invoiced during survey year.
- Certification Fees: Certification fees for clinical programs and disease-specific care certifications. Organizations achieving certification receive The Gold Seal of Approval.
- Products & Services: Revenue from software solutions (Joint Commission Connect, eProducts, ORO 2.0, TST, LMS, DDSP), publications (standards manuals, books, periodicals), education events, online education, custom education, and advisory services.
- Verification Services: Assessment of organization's capability to provide appropriate care for patient conditions, evaluating compliance with adopted industry standards.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual accreditation fees based on organization type and services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Joint Commission product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Joint Commission is the leading U.S. healthcare accreditation and certification body. It evaluates healthcare organizations against evidence-based performance standards, awarding the Gold Seal of Approval to accredited organizations and certified clinical programs. The organization also sells supporting software platforms (ORO 2.0, TST, DDSP, eProducts), standards manuals, advisory services, education programs, and the Learning Management System to help organizations maintain compliance and continuous readiness.
Product overview
The Joint Commission offers a comprehensive portfolio of healthcare quality and safety solutions centered around its core accreditation and certification programs. The accreditation program provides objective evaluation of healthcare organizations' compliance with performance standards, while the certification program assesses specific clinical programs or services. Supporting these core offerings is a suite of integrated software platforms including Joint Commission Connect (extranet portal), ORO 2.0 (reporting and optimization), the Targeted Solutions Tool, the Direct Data Submission Platform for ORYX performance measurement, Learning Management System, eProducts software solutions, and the Digital Learning Center. The organization also provides Advisory Services, Standards Manuals, the Impact 360 Learning Series for survey preparation, and Verification assessments. In 2025, The Joint Commission launched Accreditation 360 (a transformational approach leveraging technology and data analytics) and Outcomes-Driven Certification (in partnership with NQF focusing on patient-centered outcomes).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ORYX: Performance measurement initiative that integrates performance measurement data into the accreditation process.
- Joint Commission Connect
- UNIFY
- Accreditation 360
Products and services
- Healthcare Organization Accreditation Objective evaluation process that helps healthcare organizations measure, assess, and improve performance to provide safe, high-quality care. Awarded with the Gold Seal of Approval; covers hospitals, ambulatory care, behavioral health, critical access hospitals, home care, nursing care centers, laboratories, assisted living communities, and telehealth providers.
- Disease-Specific Care Certification Certification review process for specific clinical programs and disease-specific care, including cardiac certifications (acute myocardial infarction, chest pain, heart failure, Comprehensive Cardiac Center, etc.), stroke certifications (Acute Stroke Ready Hospital through Comprehensive Stroke Center), orthopedic certifications (hip fracture, joint replacement, spine surgery), Maternal Levels of Care Verification, and Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care.
- Outcomes-Driven Certification An innovative outcomes-driven certification program developed in partnership with the National Quality Forum (NQF) that focuses on patient-centered outcomes measures and data-based benchmarking.
- Verification Assessment of an organization's capability to provide appropriate care for a patient's condition, evaluating that healthcare services are compliant with adopted industry standards without requiring data submission on performance measures.
- Joint Commission Connect (JC Connect) Secure online portal (extranet) for accredited organizations to manage accreditation and certification activities, access key documents, and communicate directly with their Joint Commission team.
- ORO 2.0 Online reporting and optimization tool for accreditation management.
- Targeted Solutions Tool (TST) A targeted solutions tool for identifying and addressing performance improvement opportunities.
- Direct Data Submission Platform (DDSP) Dedicated data submission platform for accredited organizations with ORYX Performance Measurement requirements.
- Learning Management System (LMS) Convenient access to all purchased Online Education content and conference materials for continuing education.
- eProducts Software Solutions Innovative software solutions that help healthcare organizations work smarter, faster, and better through various digital tools.
- Digital Learning Center (DLC) A comprehensive virtual learning service providing select webinars, e-books, newsletters, and other resources with customizable education updated by experts.
- Advisory Services Clinical, operational, and technical advisory services backed by decades of real-world healthcare experience to help organizations enhance quality, improve patient safety, reduce risk, and build sustainable, high-performing cultures.
- Standards Manuals The latest Joint Commission accreditation and certification standards available as printed or digital manuals (including E-dition electronic standards manual platform).
- ORYX Performance Measurement Initiative that integrates performance measurement data into the accreditation process, allowing organizations to submit standardized performance measures for internal quality improvement.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 15,000 healthcare organizations accredited in the US alone
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Joint Commission
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Joint Commission technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
The Joint Commission partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)majorSince 2004, OSHA and Joint Commission/Joint Commission Resources have maintained an Alliance to provide healthcare organizations with information, guidance, and access to resources that help protect worker health and safety, and understand worker rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
- American Heart AssociationcoreJoint Commission partners with American Heart Association on cardiac certifications including Basic certifications (acute myocardial infarction, chest pain, heart failure) and Advanced certifications (Comprehensive Cardiac Center, Comprehensive Heart Attack Center, Advanced Heart Failure, Acute Heart Attack Ready, Primary Heart Attack Center, Ventricular Assist Device). Also collaborates with American Stroke Association on stroke certifications at multiple levels (Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, Primary Stroke Center, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center).
- Alzheimer's AssociationcoreJoint Commission collaborated with Alzheimer's Association to develop Memory Care certification for nursing care centers accredited under Joint Commission's Nursing Care Center Accreditation program. Certification aims to minimize risks and improve care for patients with all levels of cognitive impairment.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)coreJoint Commission partners with AAOS for orthopedic certifications including hip fracture, joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder), spinal fusion, spine surgery, and total hip and knee replacement. AAOS is a trusted leader advancing orthopaedic care.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)coreACOG is dedicated to advancing women's health care through continuing medical education, practice, research, and advocacy. Joint Commission offers Maternal Levels of Care Verification and Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care in collaboration with ACOG.
- National Quality Forum (NQF)coreNQF is a not-for-profit organization that unites healthcare stakeholders to enhance care quality and outcomes. Joint Commission collaborates with NQF to develop measures improving patient safety, streamline data collection, and prioritize patient-centered results. Also partnering on outcomes-driven certification program.
- Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB)coreAABB represents individuals and institutions involved in transfusion medicine and biotherapies. Joint Commission offers Patient Blood Management Certification based on AABB standards to help hospitals implement comprehensive programs improving outcomes for patients who might need blood transfusions.
- National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)coreJoint Commission has a strategic alliance with NAHQ to advance global healthcare quality and safety. The alliance combines Joint Commission's leadership in enabling highest standards with NAHQ's leadership in defining competencies and developing the healthcare quality workforce.
- American Hospital AssociationmajorJoint Commission developed Cyber Resilience Readiness certification in collaboration with American Hospital Association to help hospitals assess and strengthen their ability to maintain safe clinical operations during cyber-related technology outages.
- ARCHANGELSmajorARCHANGELS is a national movement reframing how caregivers are seen, honored, and supported. Joint Commission and ARCHANGELS launched the Care Badge initiative to honor, support, and create upward mobility for unpaid caregivers, leveraging ARCHANGELS' work with states, employers, health systems with Joint Commission's focus on patient safety and quality.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Joint Commission competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DNV Healthcare: DNV Healthcare is a CMS-deemed accreditor competing directly with Joint Commission for acute-care hospital accreditation. It differentiates through ISO 9001 integration and has steadily gained share in the same hospital customer base served by Joint Commission.
- Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP): HFAP is a CMS-deemed hospital accreditation program that competes head-to-head with Joint Commission for acute-care and critical-access hospital customers. Operates under the same regulatory umbrella and uses a comparable survey methodology.
- Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC): ACHC is a CMS-deemed accreditor focused on home health, hospice, and ambulatory settings. It directly competes with Joint Commission's Home Care and Ambulatory segments and offers similar specialty certification programs.
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC): AAAHC accredits ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, directly competing with Joint Commission's Ambulatory Health Care accreditation program. It is the leading specialty accreditor in the outpatient segment where Joint Commission also plays.
- CARF International: CARF accredits behavioral health, rehabilitation, and human services organizations, overlapping directly with Joint Commission's Behavioral Health Care & Human Services segment. Both compete for the same treatment-provider customers.
Broad incumbents
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA): NCQA is a leading healthcare quality accreditation body focused on health plans, ACOs, and patient-centered medical homes. While not directly competing on hospital accreditation, it is a broader incumbent in healthcare quality oversight and frequently co-appears in customer conversations.
- URAC: URAC accredits health plans, specialty pharmacies, and telehealth providers. It overlaps with Joint Commission's Telehealth segment and provides a broader portfolio of healthcare accreditation programs in adjacent verticals.
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization): ISO provides quality management standards (e.g., ISO 9001) used across healthcare globally, and DNV Healthcare integrates ISO into its accreditation. ISO represents the broader standards umbrella that frames Joint Commission's accreditation framework.
Others
- Joint Commission International (JCI): JCI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Joint Commission and operates the international accreditation franchise under the same Gold Seal of Approval brand. It is included as a related entity to illustrate the global extension of the Joint Commission enterprise rather than as an independent peer.
Emerging players
- CHAI (Consortium for Healthcare AI and Quality): CHAI is an emerging standards and certification body focused specifically on AI in healthcare, including model assurance and trustworthy AI deployment. As AI-enabled care grows, CHAI represents an emerging quality-assurance player whose scope intersects Joint Commission's newer technology-enabled accreditation programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Joint Commission social profiles
Digital presenceThe Joint Commission financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Joint Commission leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The Joint Commission subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
The Joint Commission funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Joint Commission M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Joint Commission
What does The Joint Commission do?
The Joint Commission is the leading U.S. healthcare accreditation and certification body. It evaluates healthcare organizations against evidence-based performance standards, awarding the Gold Seal of Approval to accredited organizations and certified clinical programs. The organization also sells supporting software platforms (ORO 2.0, TST, DDSP, eProducts), standards manuals, advisory services, education programs, and the Learning Management System to help organizations maintain compliance and continuous readiness.
Is The Joint Commission a public or private company?
The Joint Commission is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Joint Commission founded?
The Joint Commission was founded in 1951. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is The Joint Commission based?
The Joint Commission is headquartered in Oak Brook, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Joint Commission make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Accreditation Fees are the primary driver. The others are certification Fees, products & Services and verification Services.
Who are The Joint Commission's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DNV Healthcare, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and CARF International. Broad incumbents are National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), URAC and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Joint Commission International (JCI) is listed as an others. CHAI (Consortium for Healthcare AI and Quality) is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Joint Commission have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Joint Commission.
What industry is The Joint Commission in?
The Joint Commission's product category is Healthcare Accreditation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADACAJ, Accreditation Standards, Benchmarking & Framework Organizations, with a secondary code of EDADACAF, Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies. Its NAICS code is 541380 and its SIC code is 8600.