preparing for a joint commission survey can be a challenging process for any healthcare provider. at a minimum, a hospital must be completely familiar with the current standards; examine current processes, policies, and procedures relative to the standards; and prepare to improve any areas that are not currently in compliance. the hospital must be in compliance with the standards for at least four months prior to the initial survey. the hospital should also be in compliance with applicable standards during the entire period of accreditation, which means that surveyors will look for a full three years of implementation for several standards-related issues.