Certification program for inpatient diabetes care launched

JCAHO and the American Diabetes Association are collaborating on a new certification program for inpatient diabetes care that will be the nation’s first diabetes certification program.

The Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care Certification Program will certify organizations through an on-site review of their compliance with national standards and the management of diabetes patients through clinical guidelines. The review will include an assessment of performance measurement and improvement activities. In addition, organizations will be assessed regarding the qualifications and competencies of practitioners; processes established to encourage patient self-management; demonstrated leadership support for the program; and use of clinical information systems to monitor patient care management.

More than 14 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, with one out of every 10 health care dollars now being spent on diabetes and its complications. This includes more than $40 billion for inpatient hospital care. Effective management of glucose levels of diagnosed diabetic patients can help reduce the risk of further complications and adverse outcomes.

“The collaboration between the ADA and Joint Commission will help standardize the care provided for all diabetic patients in all inpatient departments in a hospital,” says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission. “This will lead to a better quality of life for diabetic patients and position certified organizations for success in pay-for-performance programs.”