The JCAHO is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to improve the quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services which support performance improvements in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits hospitals and health care organisations which provide managed care (including health plans, preferred provider organisations and integrated delivery systems), home care, long-term care, behavioural health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services.