Starting January 1, 2026, the Joint Commission will roll out major updates to its standards. These changes aim to make compliance simpler but also bring new challenges for hospitals and behavioral health organizations.
What’s Changing?
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The number of standards will drop from about 1,551 to 774, cutting duplication.
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Many Elements of Performance (EPs) are being merged into broader, code-based requirements.
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Surveyors will now focus more on core safety practices and less on paperwork.
While these changes are designed to reduce clutter, they also mean hospitals must update how they train, document, and prepare for surveys.
Top Concerns in the Industry
From healthcare forums and compliance groups, here’s what people are worried about:
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Less clarity in new standards: Broad language leaves room for confusion about what’s required.
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Updating documentation: Policies, manuals, and reference materials need reformatting to match the new structure.
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Staff and surveyor learning curve: Teams must learn the new system before survey day.
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Technology readiness: Hospitals need stronger systems for credentialing, training, and tracking.
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Constant readiness pressure: Leaders fear last-minute scramble as surveys align to these new rules.
How emPower LMS Can Help
Meeting these changes will take organized training and airtight documentation. This is where our LMS and training library fit in:
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Electronic documentation of training for every staff member.
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Policy signatures tracked online—no more paper binders.
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Recurring training plans (monthly, quarterly) to keep compliance active year-round.
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Built-in surveys and instant reporting so leaders see gaps in real time.
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Training materials that cover all five key compliance segments tied to Joint Commission requirements.
By digitizing compliance and training, you cut down on manual work, reduce errors, and ensure your team is always survey-ready.
Get Ahead of the 2026 Changes
The 2026 standards shift isn’t just a rewrite—it’s a push toward better data, continuous training, and stronger leadership involvement. Hospitals that act early with the right tools will navigate the transition smoothly.
👉 Book a quick demo today and see how emPower LMS can help your team stay ready for Joint Commission surveys year-round.
