Guide to Joint Commission Workplace Violence Standards

This guide outlines the new Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements established by The Joint Commission (TJC) for accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals, which took effect in 2022. It highlights the increasing incidence of workplace violence, particularly among healthcare workers, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The document details the necessity for a designated Workplace Violence Prevention (WPV) coordinator, emergency procedures, and employee reporting mechanisms. It emphasizes the importance of a zero tolerance policy for violence, which should be communicated to all staff and patients. Additionally, the guide presents a comprehensive WPV prevention program that includes management commitment, employee participation, worksite assessments, hazard prevention, safety training, and program evaluation. A checklist is also provided to assist facilities in ensuring compliance with the new standards, addressing critical questions related to policy communication, program responsibility, and incident reporting protocols.