Which of the following is a requirement for hospitals to achieve accreditation by The Joint Commission?

The correct answer involves the requirement for implementing a quality management system, which is a fundamental aspect of The Joint Commission's accreditation process. Accreditation by The Joint Commission is contingent upon a hospital's ability to demonstrate consistent quality and safety in their healthcare services. The quality management system encompasses a set of policies, procedures, and processes that ensure patient care is continuously monitored, assessed, and improved.

Having this system in place allows hospitals to establish goals, measure outcomes, and institute corrective actions whenever necessary. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients, which aligns with The Joint Commission's goals of public accountability and improving healthcare delivery.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with core accreditation requirements. Reducing staff working hours could be detrimental to patient care and does not inherently improve quality. Limiting patient services offered might restrict access to needed healthcare and would not support a comprehensive approach to quality management. Lastly, while the development of new medical technologies can enhance care, it is not a requisite for accreditation; rather, it is the application and integration of such technologies into quality processes that matter for meeting accreditation standards.