Following is a list of the 2009 National Patient Safety Goals, which go into effect on January 1, 2009. Each goal has specific requirements that organizations must meet in order to be considered in compliance with the goal. Not every goal and requirement applies to every type of health care organization. For a full list of requirements for each goal and their specific applicability, go to The Joint Commission web site at http://www.jointcommission.org/.
Goal 1: Improve the accuracy of patient identification
Goal 2: Improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers
Goal 3: Improve the safety of using medications
Goal 7: Reduce the risk of health care associated infections
Goal 8: Accurately and completely reconcile medications across the continuum of care
Goal 9: Reduce the risk of patient harm resulting from falls
Goal 10: Reduce the risk of influenza and pneumococcal disease in institutionalized older adults
Goal 11: Reduce the risk of surgical fires
Goal 13: Encourage patients’ active involvement in their own care as a patient safety strategy
Goal 14: Prevent health care associated pressure ulcers (decubitus ulcers)
Goal 15: The organization identifies safety risks inherent in its patient population
Goal 16: Improve recognition and response to changes in a patient’s condition