Washington

The organization that oversees the activities of countless health care providers — including hospitals, home medical equipment companies and home health agencies — could use some oversight of its own, Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., told the U.S. Office of Inspector General Jan. 15.

Pointing to what he deems ineffective hospital surveys, a conflict of interest between consulting and surveying functions, and anonymous contributions, Stark asked the OIG to investigate certain practices at the Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Commenting on Stark's request, JCAHO asserted its willingness to cooperate with the OIG. “[We] welcome an evaluation by the [OIG] at any time,” the organization said, pointing to a 1998 report that found JCAHO's processes to be satisfactory. “Indeed, the Joint Commission continuously evaluates and works to improve its standards and its survey process, to the end of progressively sharpening the focus on organizational systems critical to the safety and quality of patient care.”

For breaking news, go to www.homecaremonday.com, the electronic news service of the home medical equipment industry.