CoC Standards Updates: A Closer Look

The CoC released an updated version of its accreditation standards, Optimal Resources for Cancer Care (2020 Standards) in December 2024. Review the CoC Standards and the CoC Standards Change Log, available on the CoC website, for complete information on these updates. A closer look at some of the changes are outlined below.

Standard 2.2: Cancer Liaison Physician: This standard has been updated to clarify that the Cancer Liaison Physician reports required by this standard cannot also satisfy the requirements for Standard 6.4: Rapid Cancer Reporting System: Data Submission.

Standard 4.8: Survivorship Program: This standard has been updated to clarify that survivorship services must address the needs of cancer survivors who have completed their first course of treatment. Services evaluated to meet this standard cannot be single events and must be available to patients throughout the calendar year or at specific intervals during the calendar year.

The survivorship program coordinator’s report must focus only on those patients who have completed their first course of treatment. Additionally, the same report (or a substantially similar report) cannot be used to meet the requirements of more than one standard. For example, a report satisfying the required review of Standard 4.7: Oncology Nutrition Services cannot also be used to meet the requirements of Standard 4.8.

Standard 6.4: Rapid Cancer Reporting System: Data Submission: This standard has been updated to clarify that the reports required by this standard cannot also satisfy the requirements for Standard 2.2: Cancer Liaison Physician.

These changes were effective beginning January 1, 2025.

For more information on the CoC standards, visit the CoC website. Questions regarding the CoC accreditation standards should be submitted through the CAnswer Forum.