The new concurrent survey model aims to reduce administrative burden and promote operational consistency across healthcare systems.
Joint Commission now offers a system survey option for laboratories seeking accreditation or reaccreditation. This option, which became effective July 1, 2026, provides laboratories within a healthcare system a more efficient pathway to accreditation while reducing administrative burden and promoting consistency across operations, according to a press release.
One benefit of a laboratory system survey is the ability to combine multiple surveys across the two-year accreditation cycle into one concurrent survey. This reduces the time spent preparing for on-site surveys. Using a concurrent survey model, laboratory sites within a designated geographical area are assessed within a two-week period.
This coordinated survey allows for a review of policies, processes, and quality practices on a systemwide basis. This supports a holistic approach to performance improvement and eases administrative tasks. While the survey is coordinated, accreditation is awarded to each unique applicant organization.
To qualify for a system survey, organizations must meet at least five of nine eligibility criteria that reflect a high level of operational integration. These criteria include regionalized laboratories capable of completing survey activities within 14 days, shared administrative policies, common approaches to patient data management, and sufficient supervisory coverage across locations.
Additional systemwide criteria include standardized policies for training and competency assessment, quality control, quality improvement, and safety. Organizations must also utilize consistent job descriptions across the system to qualify for the streamlined survey option.
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