NAHQ and Joint Commission Launch New Learning Program

NAMES IN THE NEWS

NAHQ and Joint Commission Launch New Learning Program

JANUARY 27, 2026

The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) and Joint Commission announced the launch of the Regulatory & Accreditation (R&A) Micro-Credential, a new professional learning program designed to equip healthcare quality professionals with practical skills to support continuous survey readiness and adherence to regulatory requirements, according to a release.

Born from a shared mission to advance healthcare quality and patient safety, the R&A Micro-Credential combines NAHQ’s leadership in defining healthcare quality competencies and workforce credentialing with Joint Commission’s regulatory and accreditation expertise as the largest accrediting organization in healthcare, according to the release. The program provides universal, role-relevant guidance that learners can immediately translate to their organizations and teams.

The R&A Micro-Credential focuses on developing the skills, best practices and processes needed to:

  • Identify applicable regulations and accreditation standards for an organization
  • Guide organizations through each step of the survey process—from preparation to on-site activities
  • Develop, implement and sustain corrective action plans that drive continuous readiness

“Regulatory and accreditation requirements continue to evolve, and healthcare organizations need professionals who can navigate them with confidence,” said Tanya Dilulio, chief strategy and innovation officer at NAHQ, in the release. “This micro-credential reflects the strength of our collaboration with Joint Commission and delivers practical, scenario-based learning that supports organizational readiness, healthcare quality and patient safety.”

Co-developed by subject matter experts from NAHQ and Joint Commission, the self-paced program features scenario-based case studies, downloadable tools and performance supports that mirror real-world accreditation challenges, according to the release. Learners progress through five modules covering accreditation fundamentals, survey preparation, on-site survey management, post-survey improvement and mastery through applied practice scenarios.

“Accreditation and regulatory readiness are essential to delivering safe, high-quality care,” said James Merlino, MD, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Joint Commission, in the release. “The new Regulatory & Accreditation Micro-Credential equips healthcare quality professionals with comprehensive knowledge of the survey process. By earning this micro-credential, healthcare professionals, together with Joint Commission and NAHQ, will help enable and affirm the highest standards of quality and safety for every patient.”

To learn more about the R&A Micro-Credential or to register for an upcoming information session, visit nahq.org.