The recent shutdown of ReadyTracker, a solution once used by hospitals and health systems to track supplies and equipment, has left many healthcare organizations scrambling for alternatives. While the loss of any system can create operational headaches, the stakes are even higher when it comes to compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC). Without a reliable platform in place, hospitals risk falling short of the standards that ensure patient safety, quality of care, and regulatory readiness.
Why Joint Commission Compliance Matters
The Joint Commission sets rigorous standards for healthcare organizations, particularly around supply chain management, documentation, and traceability. Proper tracking of medical devices, supplies, and implants isn’t just an administrative task—it is essential for:
Patient safety: Ensuring the right product is used for the right patient.
Accountability: Documenting every step of a product’s lifecycle.
Audit readiness: Demonstrating compliance quickly and accurately during TJC surveys.
Any gap in tracking or documentation creates vulnerabilities that can lead to citations, financial penalties, or worse—patient harm.
The Impact of the ReadyTracker Shutdown
Hospitals that depended on ReadyTracker for inventory or implant tracking now face:
Loss of visibility into product usage and expiration.
Inconsistent documentation for procedures involving implants or high-value supplies.
Increased risk of noncompliance with Joint Commission standards, especially in areas like sterile processing, implant logs, and supply chain accountability.
Staff burden, as teams may be forced to revert to manual processes that are error-prone and time consuming.
In today’s environment—where TJC surveyors expect real-time, automated documentation—manual workarounds are not sustainable.
How Hospitals Can Stay Compliant
The good news is that solutions exist to fill the void left by ReadyTracker. To maintain compliance and even strengthen survey readiness, hospitals should consider:
Transitioning to RFID- or Barcode-Based Systems
Modern systems like Mobile Aspects’ iRISupply and iRISecure automate the capture of supply and implant usage at the point of care, eliminating manual logs and ensuring accurate, time-stamped documentation.Ensuring End-to-End Traceability
From receipt in the supply room to usage in the operating room, every item should be tracked seamlessly. This creates a complete audit trail that aligns directly with TJC requirements.Building Real-Time Reporting & Alerts
Automated alerts for expired or recalled products prevent patient safety risks while providing survey-ready documentation at the push of a button.Training Staff on New Workflows
Smooth adoption of new technology is essential. Hospitals should prioritize ease of use and provide adequate training to ensure staff aren’t overwhelmed during the transition.
Turning a Compliance Risk Into an Opportunity
While the shutdown of ReadyTracker has caused disruption, it also presents an opportunity for hospitals to upgrade to more advanced, future-proof systems. By investing in RFID-enabled tracking solutions, organizations can go beyond compliance—improving patient safety, reducing waste, and driving financial efficiencies.
Ultimately, hospitals that act quickly to replace ReadyTracker with a reliable solution will not only remain compliant with Joint Commission standards but will also set themselves up for long-term operational success.