Joint Commission Widens Their Reach

The Impact of Physical Environment Consolidation on Survey Outcomes

The landscape of healthcare compliance is about to change—dramatically. Beginning in 2026, Joint Commission will consolidate its Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS) standards into a new, broader category: Physical Environment (PE) standards. While this streamlining may sound like simplification, it brings significant operational implications that organizations can’t afford to overlook.

This white paper explores how these changes shift not only the structure of compliance but also the nature of surveys, the weight of deficiencies, and the role of facility-wide collaboration. With expanded surveyor discretion, fewer—but more impactful—EPs, and a stronger emphasis on integrated documentation and response, healthcare facilities face a new era where risk scoring is more holistic and deficiencies carry broader consequences.

Read the full white paper to learn:

• What’s actually changing in 2026 and why it matters

• How a single finding may now impact multiple operational areas

• What strategic steps your facility can take today to stay compliant tomorrow

• How to reframe your SAFER Matrix strategy for stronger survey outcomes

Get ahead of the curve. Understand the risks, prepare your teams, and strengthen your readiness posture before these changes arrive.

View white paper by following this link: Joint Commission Widens Their Reach