The National Patient Safety Goals were established in 2002 by The Joint Commission to address specific patient safety concerns in accredited healthcare organizations. The goals are updated annually based on input from practitioners and stakeholders. They include requirements around accurate patient identification, effective communication of test results, safe medication labeling and management, reducing clinical alarm risks, preventing infections and falls, assessing pressure ulcer risks, identifying safety risks in patient populations, and improving healthcare equity. The goals apply to various healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory clinics, and home care agencies.