Joint Commission’s Position on Steam Sterilization

The Joint Commission has been in discussion with multiple professional and trade organizations in regards to the common and proper use of sterilization using steam in hospital, critical access hospital, ambulatory care, and office-based surgery settings. Recently, some decisions have been made which will have an impact on the interpretation of standards and the survey process, effective immediately. In reviewing this method of sterilization, several issues have emerged including nomencla- ture, indications, and process issues.