Which organization accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States, performing on-site surveys that lead to accreditation decisions?

• A. CMS
• B. The Joint Commission (TJC)
• C. FDA
• D. CAP

Answer: (B)

Accreditation of health care organizations in the United States relies on on-site surveys that assess performance against established standards, and the body that conducts these surveys and grants accreditation is The Joint Commission. It evaluates hospitals, clinics, and many programs through on-site visits and then issues accreditation decisions based on those findings. The other options don’t fit this role: CMS is a federal agency that enforces participation rules for Medicare/Medicaid rather than accrediting organizations; FDA regulates drugs and devices; CAP focuses on laboratory accreditation rather than general health care organizations.