The other day I came across an article that was contemplating the idea that Joint Commission's related branch Joint Commission Resource's consulting services may be to closely related and very influential on its accreditation service. It stated that, because many of their guidelines are based on Joint Commission's program guidelines, that hospitals and other facilities that use JCR's consulting services are somewhat "cheating" to get accredited.

I feel that these facilities are very smart and have a marketing advantage, because they are using the services to reduce multi-drug resistant organism infection rates, improve patient safety and consumer confidence and ultimately lowers costs.. This consulting service uses guidelines set forth by a well know and most widely used accreditation service as well and the CDC and helps medical centers formulate and implement policies that will help them reach JC's goals and be up to standard, against those who may not use them. They will either be on level playing fields or outshine their competitors. The accreditation and consulting services are separate entities, but they play off each other. The consulting service uses only public information available to find clients who may benefit from their services and once these services have been performed, the facility will likely to easily renew or acquire accreditation. I personally would feel much more confident in my provider's capability and commitment to my health knowing they were going these extra yards to ensure my safety and that they are striving to be able to provide high quality service and care. I hope to hear that since it's introduction mid last year that this program is catching on and helping to light a fire in health care, because in the end both programs' aim is to provide high quality service and guarantee patient safety