New outcomes-driven certifications in perinatal and cardiac care

Joint Commission News

Published March 30th, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The Joint Commission announced two new voluntary outcomes-driven certifications for hospitals in perinatal care and cardiac surgeries/procedures. The certifications shift from process-based compliance to measuring actual clinical outcomes, using data from established clinical registries including STS and ACC. Healthcare organizations seeking recognition for quality performance can apply for these new certifications.

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What changed

The Joint Commission launched outcomes-driven certifications in perinatal care and cardiac surgeries, representing a strategic shift from process-based to outcomes-based quality assessment. The perinatal certification evaluates hospital performance on maternal and newborn outcomes and patient experiences. The cardiac certification leverages data from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) registries, assessing surgery-specific outcomes, readmissions, and patient experience. Unlike traditional certifications focused on process compliance, these new programs benchmark performance against peers and support continuous improvement through data-driven insights.

Hospitals and healthcare organizations interested in demonstrating measurable clinical quality should evaluate participation in one or both certification programs. Organizations already reporting to STS or ACC registries may have reduced administrative burden for cardiac certification. Participation is voluntary and intended to recognize consistently strong performance on outcomes measures, provide clearer quality signals to patients and payers, and support shared learning across healthcare systems. No compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with these certifications.

What to do next

Assess whether current clinical outcomes data qualifies for new outcomes-driven certifications
Determine if reporting to STS or ACC registries enables participation in cardiac certification
Review internal quality metrics against the defined outcome measures for perinatal and cardiac care

Source document (simplified)

Joint Commission launches new outcomes-driven certifications focused on measurable results and patient outcomes

Published Mar 30, 2026 First two certifications in perinatal care and cardiac surgeries and procedures reflect a strategic shift toward data‑driven, outcomes‑based quality assessment

(OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois, March 30, 2026) — Joint Commission today announced the launch of its new outcomes‑driven certifications, a next‑generation approach to certification of hospitals and other healthcare organizations based on measurable clinical outcomes, rather than primarily on compliance with processes. The new approach represents a key component of Joint Commission’s strategic transformation to advance healthcare quality through data, transparency, and continuous improvement, while prioritizing the results that matter most to patients and clinicians.

The first two outcomes-driven certifications will focus on perinatal care and cardiac surgeries and procedures, two high‑priority clinical areas where improved outcomes can have a profound impact on patients, families, and communities.

“Healthcare is increasingly driven by data, and patients deserve care that is demonstrably better,” said Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Joint Commission. “Outcomes‑driven certification shifts the focus to real‑world results, patient safety, and continuous learning. These first two certifications mark an important step forward in aligning certification with outcomes that patients and clinicians care about most.”

A New Model for Certification

Joint Commission’s outcomes‑driven certifications build on its existing suite of certifications by integrating outcomes‑focused performance measurement, benchmarking, and learning collaboratives. Participating organizations are assessed using defined sets of quality measures and receive insights into how their performance compares with peers, supporting improvement, and shared learning across healthcare systems.

Unlike traditional certification models that emphasize process compliance, outcomes‑driven certification is designed to:

Recognize organizations that achieve consistently strong performance on outcomes measures
Support improvement through data‑driven insights and peer learning
Reduce administrative burden by leveraging existing, trusted data sources
Provide patients, purchasers, and payers with clearer signals of quality based on results First Certifications: Perinatal Care and Cardiac Surgeries and Procedures

Outcomes‑Driven Certification in Perinatal Care will evaluate hospital performance across key areas related to maternal and newborn outcomes and patient care experiences. The perinatal certification reflects the urgent national need to improve outcomes for mothers and babies and accelerate progress through transparent, outcomes‑based measurement.

Outcomes‑Driven Certification: Cardiac Surgeries and Procedures will assess hospitals based on clinical outcomes for a broad range of commonly performed, typically scheduled cardiac surgeries and procedures. The certification leverages established, trusted clinical registries and evaluates performance using surgery‑ and procedure‑specific outcome measures, readmissions, and patient experience data.

For cardiac care, Joint Commission partnered with leading specialty societies, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), enabling organizations to use data they already report to these nationally recognized registries. This approach strengthens data integrity while reducing reporting burden for healthcare organizations.

Part of a Broader Strategic Transformation

Next-generation data- and outcomes‑driven certifications are a key part of Joint Commission’s broader efforts to modernize accreditation and certification by emphasizing data, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Outcomes‑driven certification is voluntary and available exclusively to Joint Commission‑accredited hospitals. Existing certifications are not affected and will continue to be available.

Media Contacts

Zachary Brousseau National Quality Forum (202) 478-9326 Email us

About Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 23,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

Learn more at www.jointcommission.org.