Joint Commission and NQF to align Serious Events Report, Sentinel Events lists

In an effort to streamline safety event reporting and reduce confusion and burden, the Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum will align their respective Sentinel Events List and Serious Reportable Events List. The move will eliminate the need for health care organizations to maintain separate measurement frameworks, the organizations say, while placing greater emphasis on improving patient safety. The Joint Commission will adopt the updated Serious Reportable Events List as part of the Sentinel Events List on Jan. 1, 2027, across all accredited organizations. It also will provide technical support to accredited organizations during the transition. (National Quality Forum news release, 1/26/26)