The discussion focuses on the role of the JCAHO, the content and background of the standards, their applicability, their implications for individual members of health care organizations, and resources available to help organizations meet JCAHO standards. Through a voluntary accreditation process, JCAHO educates, consults on, and evaluates structures, processes, and outcomes that enable the delivery of quality health care. The eight standards for suspected victims of abuse focus on identification, assessment, consent, confidentiality, reporting to proper authorities, the responsibility of department directors, personnel training, and staff orientation. All health care providers who may be involved in the hospital-based assessment, reassessment, and care of patients are subject to the intent of these standards. Substantial compliance indicates that an organization has appropriate policies and practices in place. Thus, these standards provide a framework for the medical community; compliance provides a coordinated approach to victims. Charts detailing standards and 23 references