Final answer:
Standards of care in hospitals and long-term care are established by a variety of organizations, such as the American Hospital Association and the National Medical Association, to ensure high-quality care and guide healthcare policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Standards of care in hospitals and long-term care facilities are established by various organizations to ensure high-quality patient care and to assess healthcare services. For example, the American Hospital Association (AHA) played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policy and provisions, especially with the establishment of the Hill Burton Act which, after lobbying efforts and support from President Truman, made federal funding available for hospital expansion under certain quality standards. Similar actions were taken by other organizations, such as the National Medical Association (NMA), which created the National Hospital Association to increase professionalization and standards in Black hospitals.
Today, numerous institutions, including nonprofit health organizations, private hospitals, and governmental agencies like Health and Social Services, continue to define and uphold various levels of standards. Additionally, the Association of Surgical Technologists is known for publishing standards on aseptic techniques. These standards directly impact the cost and quality of healthcare by ensuring that procedures and care delivery meet defined benchmarks of excellence and safety.