Which regulation oversees the quality and safety of healthcare facilities in the U.S.?

The regulation that oversees the quality and safety of healthcare facilities in the U.S. is the Joint Commission Standards. These standards are established by the Joint Commission, which is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations and programs. The primary purpose of these standards is to improve patient safety and the quality of care provided to patients.

The Joint Commission conducts regular assessments of healthcare facilities to ensure they meet these standards, which encompass various aspects, including patient treatment, medication safety, infection control, and the environment of care. Facilities that meet the Joint Commission's standards can achieve accreditation, an important credential that signifies their commitment to maintaining high quality and safety in healthcare services.

Other options relate to different aspects of healthcare regulation. For instance, the Medicare Conditions of Participation sets specific requirements that healthcare providers must meet to participate in the Medicare program, but does not broadly oversee quality and safety across all healthcare facilities. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act primarily focuses on protecting patient privacy and securing health information rather than quality and safety. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards are centered around workplace safety and health, but again, do not specifically target healthcare quality and safety.