There are a large number of professional organizations specific to the healthcare sector. One of these organizations, the Joint Commission, is an independent, nonprofit organization that certifies and accredits more than 19,000 healthcare facilities in the United States. [Their mission statement is] "to continually improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in the provision of safe and of the highest quality and value” (The Joint Commission, 2011). The National Patient Safety Goals were implemented in 2002. The goals came into effect on January 1, 2003 to address specific areas of concern regarding patient safety. Once implemented, these goals resulted in fewer medication errors, improved communication between healthcare providers, and reduced hospital-acquired infections among patients. Thousands of people are admitted each year and require medication in hospital settings. With the increasing number of admissions due to illnesses affecting today's society, it is likely that nurses will make medication errors. Over the years, medication errors have been the leading cause of injuries among hospitalized patients. Forty-six percent of these medication errors occurred at the time of admission, discharge, or transfer of patients between units. [After reviewing these events], “The Joint Commission identified “Improving the Safety of Medication Use” as one of the 2009 National Patient Safety Goals (Cleveland Clinic, 2009, p.1). In relation to this safety objective, hospitals have created a medication reconciliation form which is located in the patient center...... middle of paper ...... before a procedure, avoids having to shave and use a clipper to cut the hair. This reduces the risk of skin breakage. Additionally, one hour before the surgical procedure, the patient is given antibiotics before the incision and their treatment is stopped within twenty-four hours. National patient safety goals are essential when it comes to patient safety. Implementing safety goals helps reduce the number of medication errors, improve communication between members of the healthcare team, and reduce the number of infections patients contract while receiving care at home. the hospital. Additionally, the Joint Commission reviews and publishes these goals annually. Depending on the occurrence of sentinel events, the objectives are re-evaluated or revised accordingly. It is important that the Joint Commission strengthens the implementation of patient safety goals as they help improve patient care..