The Joint Commission Hospice Requirements: Orientation and Annual In-Service Education

In order to streamline your organization’s compliance requirements and guide providers through their hospice onboarding and annual training, MedBridge has worked to create and organize coursework in accordance with Joint Commission standards. 

This article provides a list of recommended MedBridge courses that align with The Joint Commission's requirements for hospice orientation and annual in-service training. 

These courses can be delivered to your staff via a MedBridge Knowledge Track, which allows you to easily assign and track completion. The suggested tracks below include coursework organized by the specific Joint Commission requirement, however these tracks can be customized to fit your needs, including adding your agency's own custom content. For more information about building Knowledge Tracks, check out Getting Started With the MedBridge LMS.

For information on state-specific regulations and required training, please contact MedBridge support. 

Note: Some courses are also available in a shorter microlearning course version, and have been listed as an alternative. These courses may be beneficial for more experienced staff who just need a refresher on these topics.

The Joint Commission Orientation Coursework

The following coursework is recommended as a part of mandatory onboarding and orientation training provided on initial hire. These courses may also be appropriate for annual in-service training requirements. Please check with your organizational and state policies for specific in-service requirements. 

In addition to this coursework, organizations must provide employees with the following: 

• Organization mission, vision and goals
• Relevant policies and procedures
• Code of conduct / professional standards of practice for home health
• A review of the individual's job description, role, and specific duties
• An organization-wide integrated patient safety program, including blame-free reporting procedures, medication error reporting, and leadership communication
• A written comprehensive emergency management program and training activities 
• Record keeping and reporting
• Organization-specific written policies and procedures
• Training on specific job requirements 
• Orientation to equipment, if applicable as outlined in the job description

***Note: In January of 2025, The Joint Commission will be updating and revising it's standards pertaining to workplace violence and infection control. Organizations should plan to provide courses on workplace violence and infection control as in-service training once details of this update are finalized, in order to be ready to implement them effectively in 2025. MedBridge is watching these changes as well, and will update courses in alignment with the new regulations as they are announced. 

Note: The courses provided here are only recommendations. Each organization is responsible for ensuring its own compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and accreditation standards, as well as alignment with the needs of its patient population and staff. Always consult your company’s legal or compliance personnel with any questions or concerns related to this subject matter. These recommendations are not a substitute for legal advice for any individual provider or organization.

Article updated: June 2024