The American Hospital Association (AHA) declared a "crisis of confidence" in the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health-care Organizations, which accredits most of the nation's hospitals.
The AHA said its 5,000 member hospitals are so frustrated by the Commission's performance that more than ten of its state chapters are considering alternatives. Defections could lead to the Commission's collapse, said Richard Davidson, president of the AHA.
The AHA's unusual public criticism comes as the Joint Commission scrambles to revamp its procedures to respond to vast changes under way in the US health-care system. It also comes amid growing demands by consumers and employers for accountability among health-care providers.
The Commission inspects most of the nation's hospitals every three years as part of its accrediation process. Hospitals must be accredited to receive Medicare reimbursements for treating the elderly.
At a press conference in Chicago, officials of the AHA said its members have expressed broad concerns about the quality of the agency's inspections and the costs of the services. In addition, they said a "relentless marketing of education programs" and other products aimed at helping hospitals prepare for the surveys has clouded the Joint Commission's mission with conflicts.