Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Paige Twenter on Hospital Standards and Research Funding Shakeups
Jul 10, 2025
Key insights are shared on the Joint Commission's groundbreaking decision to cut hospital standards by 50%, simplifying guidelines for better compliance. The reinstatement of billions in NIH research funding is also discussed, potentially revitalizing academic medicine while addressing equity concerns. The ramifications of these funding changes pose challenges for research collaborations, showing the importance of monitoring future funding developments closely.
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Joint Commission Cuts Hospital Standards
- The Joint Commission will cut hospital standards from 1,551 to 714 in 2026, reducing regulatory burden by 50%.
- Standards will be clearer, prioritized by importance, filtering out redundant or outdated rules.
Joint Commission CEO on Standards Review
- Dr. Jonathan Perlin of the Joint Commission shared they reviewed standards for redundancy and outdated rules.
- For example, multiple smoking-related standards were consolidated since all hospitals are federally required to be smoke-free.
NIH Grant Cuts Reinstated After Court Ruling
- NIH had cut $3.2 billion in research grants, including those on race and LGBTQ+ issues, but federal judges ordered some funds reinstated.
- This has shaken academic medicine, creating uncertainty about future funding and collaborations.