Approved: Second certification option for nursing care centers.

Perspectives, pages 8–13), The Joint Commission will implement new memory care accreditation requirements for nursing care centers effective July 1, 2014. To build on these new requirements, which have been designed in response to the prevalence of dementia in nursing homes, The Joint Commission will also offer a new optional certification product for accredited nursing care centers. The optional Memory Care Certification product, also effective July 1, 2014, will recognize accredited organizations for their dementia care specialization—in particular, for specialized dementia care provided in a distinct memory care unit or area. Key areas that distinguish the optional Memory Care Certification requirements from the memory care accreditation requirements include the following: