Are You Truly Ready for Joint Commission Goal 12?

Executive-Level Clarity for a High-Stakes Standard

Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal 12 requires more than staffing plans, it demands clear executive accountability, data-driven decision-making, and documented alignment between staffing and patient needs. Yet many organizations discover gaps only when surveyors begin asking questions.

This readiness checklist was built specifically for healthcare executives and operational leaders who need a clear, defensible way to assess preparedness across governance, staffing plans, competency validation, escalation processes, and vendor oversight.

What This Checklist Helps You Validate

The Goal 12 Readiness Checklist walks leaders through the exact questions surveyors expect organizations to answer, including:

• Executive accountability and leadership oversight of staffing decisions
• Alignment of staffing plans to patient acuity and unit-level demand
• Competency validation for employed, float, traveler, and agency clinicians
• Documentation linking staffing decisions to patient safety and outcomes
• Clear escalation policies and contingency planning
• Compliance and documentation standards for staffing partners

Each section outlines required actions and the specific evidence leaders should be prepared to produce during a survey.

Designed for Leaders Who Own Compliance and Outcomes

Goal 12 readiness is not a one-time exercise; it is an ongoing leadership responsibility. This readiness checklist enables executives to identify risk areas early, close documentation gaps, and engage clinical and operational leaders in proactive staffing oversight.

Whether preparing for an upcoming survey or strengthening governance long-term, this guide provides a structured, defensible framework for compliance and confidence.

Get the Goal 12 Readiness Checklist

Download the Joint Commission Goal 12 Readiness Checklist to better understand survey expectations and assess your organization's preparedness.