The Joint Commission introduced a voluntary certification program on June 2, 2026, aimed at establishing universal standards for artificial intelligence use within healthcare organizations. Known as the Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare (RUAIH) certification, the program functions as a blueprint for safe, reliable, transparent, and ethical AI adoption. It does not certify individual AI products or tools, but rather evaluates organizational processes.

Certification criteria focus on five core domains: governance, data management, risk and bias reduction, performance monitoring, and transparency combined with staff training. Any healthcare organization can apply for this certification, regardless of their current accreditation status with the Joint Commission. Jonathan Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of the Joint Commission, stated that the initiative addresses the urgent need for standardized AI implementation in clinical settings to improve quality, safety, and operating efficiency.

The initiative aligns with governance playbooks released by the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), which provide health systems with practical guidance and controls for AI integration. These playbooks offer frameworks that help organizations meet the requirements for the Joint Commission's new certification. Brian Anderson, M.D., CEO of CHAI, noted that the alignment between the certification program and CHAI's governance resources aims to reduce organizational confusion and accelerate the responsible adoption of AI technology throughout the healthcare sector.

The Joint Commission introduced a voluntary certification program on June 2, 2026, aimed at establishing universal standards for artificial intelligence use within healthcare organizations. Known as the Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare (RUAIH) certification, the program functions as a blueprint for safe, reliable, transparent, and ethical AI adoption. It does not certify individual AI products or tools, but rather evaluates organizational processes.

Certification criteria focus on five core domains: governance, data management, risk and bias reduction, performance monitoring, and transparency combined with staff training. Any healthcare organization can apply for this certification, regardless of their current accreditation status with the Joint Commission. Jonathan Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of the Joint Commission, stated that the initiative addresses the urgent need for standardized AI implementation in clinical settings to improve quality, safety, and operating efficiency.

The initiative aligns with governance playbooks released by the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), which provide health systems with practical guidance and controls for AI integration. These playbooks offer frameworks that help organizations meet the requirements for the Joint Commission's new certification. Brian Anderson, M.D., CEO of CHAI, noted that the alignment between the certification program and CHAI's governance resources aims to reduce organizational confusion and accelerate the responsible adoption of AI technology throughout the healthcare sector.